Stephen's view on Smoking in Public Places
Legislation to combat smoking has been one of my longstanding political interests. For the last three general elections when I was asked what single new law I would introduce if elected, my answer has consistently been to ban smoking in public places, and in the year that I was elected MP, I signed signed Early Day Motion 833, the most comprehensive Motion regarding a full smoking ban. I am pleased that this has now become law.
The Liberal Democrats share concerns about the negative health effects of smoking. A study by London's St George's and Royal Free hospitals has suggested that many studies on the effects of second hand smoke, based on those exposed to second hand smoke primarily by a partner, seem to underestimate the risks of contact with passive smoke. People exposed to passive smoking from a variety of sources had a 50-60% increased risk of heart disease. Standing in the path of a smoker or their cigarette brings people into contact with at least 50 agents known to cause cancer and other chemicals that increase blood pressure, damage the lungs and cause abnormal kidney function. In the light of these and other facts, and with the support of the Royal College of Nursing, the British Medical Association and the Chief Medical Officer, the Liberal Democrats were active in campaigning for the ban on smoking in the workplace and all public areas.
While I was a member of the Health Bill standing committee, which scrutinised the new laws for restricting smoking, I worked hard with colleagues to persuade the government to implement a comprehensive ban. I was part of a cross-party coalition that supported an amendment to the bill that removed the Government's nonsensical exemptions. For this work I was honoured to receive a 'Cancer Champion' award from the UK's leading cancer charity, Cancer Research UK. I am therefore glad to support the ban, introduced in 2007, on smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces. A series of ICM polls carried out a year later for a Department of Health report showed that 76% of people supported smokefree law in workplaces and public places and that 70% considered that creating smokefree environments has had a positive effect on the health of people in England.
The report also showed that air quality in pubs had improved dramatically over this first year from 'unhealthy' average levels prior to 1 July 2007, to smokefree levels that are comparable to outdoor air. Bar workers' exposure to second-hand smoke was also vastly reduced from pre-July 2007 levels. Additionally, NHS Stop Smoking Services experienced an increase in demand, reflecting the fact that smokers benefit from a more supportive environment to quit smoking, with a significant increase in successful quitters compared to results at the start of 2007.
All in all, the 2007 ban proved to be a tremendous success and I am pleased to have taken an active role in its implementation. We must now look ahead to the future challenges of cancer, and ensure that the necessary lifestyle changes, treatment programmes and advice for the victims of cancer and their families are made readily available, accessible and affordable.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats