I'm sure that man years ago I (and my father-in-law) used to use Sugar Soap
as a paint stripper

Probably was in connection with paint preparation not stripping. It is
a great degreaser. I usually use it to wash down surfaces before
painting.

Do I have to get a recognised paint stripper these days.

There are alternative options to paint stripper depending on surface
and size of the job but I am not aware of other products that double as
a paint stripper.

Moira