The campaign, called Breakfast is Best, counts teachers and health organisations amongst its backers, as well as Ceereal, the trade association for the breakfast cereal and milling industries.

Many European skip breakfast, citing lack of time or not being hungry. But research has indicated that this could have serious implications for health, and affect mental performance and energy levels.

Yesterday’s event was staged as a trial for Breakfast, on the charge of negligence, with speeches ‘for’ and ‘against’ breakfast, cross-examination by an inquisitor, and a jury verdict returned. Breakfast was found not guilty.

The campaigners said today: “Public policy makers need to encourage more regular breakfast consumption by making breakfast a key element of relevant government communication activities.”