HearFromYourMP

Report something wrong with a comment

You are reporting the following comment as being abusive, suspicious or having something wrong with it.

Posted by Min Ahmed, 10:05, Wed 2 November 2005: #

I broadly agree with the measures by the labour party. However your point about people in deprived areas not benefiting from this new law is also valid. My suggestion would be to identify these areas (there are schemes in place that deal with identification), and place 100% ban in these deprived areas.

I am also worried that smokers for many years have been the scapegoat for all medical ills. Having worked in research in the NHS, I have to say that lifestyle and what we eat contributes just as much if not more to our health as smoking.

My worry is that smokers are an easy target. The argument being that "smoke" affects others, who do not have the choice to "be" passive smokers, is not valid. An unhealthy diet also affects those who do not have a choice (children, families of victims to a whole hot of illnesses caused by bad diet).

I also think that the tobacco companies will just find alternative markets in the 3rd world. How do we prevent this from happening?

I personally support the labour policy and smoking in deprived areas is an important issue, which will require a solution, not necessarily the one mentioned above, but for me an all out 100% ban is a no.

I do not want to live in a society where individual choice is taken away by an ever increasing desire by politicians to infantilise our citizens. There should be supportive legislation that counteracts the marketing of tobacco, health education and especially education in healthy lifestyles in general.

Min Ahmed (ex smoker and Labour Party Member)

This is on the message Smoking in public places.

Please give a short reason for reporting this comment.

If you would like us to get back to you about your abuse report, please give your email address.