Menu
29/11/2005
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today.
The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has stated that she believed a total ban would eventually follow the partial ban. She had initially proposed the introduction of “smoking rooms” in pubs, where staff would not work, but other members of the Cabinet reportedly opposed this.
Following days of discussions, the government eventually reverted to the original proposals put forward in the election manifesto by former Health Secretary John Reid.
However, it has emerged that 81 MPs – including 50 Labour backbenchers – have signed a parliamentary motion calling for a “total ban on smoking in pubs, restaurants and public buildings”.
The motion criticises the government’s current plans for a partial ban, saying that it is a “recipe for confusion, ambiguity and argument”.
The Liberal Democrats have described the government’s plans as a “fudge”. The party’s health spokesperson Steve Webb said: “The government should have the courage to lead public opinion, not slavishly follow it. The fudged exemption of pubs, which do not serve food, is cowardly. It fails to protect bar staff. It will increase the health gap between wealthy and deprived areas of the country.”
The partial ban has been fiercely criticised by anti-smoking campaigners. Last month, James Johnson, Chairman of the British Medical Association said that the government had “thrown away the opportunity of a lifetime to protect the public’s health”.
Last week, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson, revealed that he had considered resigning after his advice to introduce a total ban was ignored.
Scotland is due to introduce a smoking ban in all enclosed public places from March next year A similar ban was announced in October for Northern Ireland, which is due to come into effect in 2007.
(KMcA/SP)
The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has stated that she believed a total ban would eventually follow the partial ban. She had initially proposed the introduction of “smoking rooms” in pubs, where staff would not work, but other members of the Cabinet reportedly opposed this.
Following days of discussions, the government eventually reverted to the original proposals put forward in the election manifesto by former Health Secretary John Reid.
However, it has emerged that 81 MPs – including 50 Labour backbenchers – have signed a parliamentary motion calling for a “total ban on smoking in pubs, restaurants and public buildings”.
The motion criticises the government’s current plans for a partial ban, saying that it is a “recipe for confusion, ambiguity and argument”.
The Liberal Democrats have described the government’s plans as a “fudge”. The party’s health spokesperson Steve Webb said: “The government should have the courage to lead public opinion, not slavishly follow it. The fudged exemption of pubs, which do not serve food, is cowardly. It fails to protect bar staff. It will increase the health gap between wealthy and deprived areas of the country.”
The partial ban has been fiercely criticised by anti-smoking campaigners. Last month, James Johnson, Chairman of the British Medical Association said that the government had “thrown away the opportunity of a lifetime to protect the public’s health”.
Last week, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson, revealed that he had considered resigning after his advice to introduce a total ban was ignored.
Scotland is due to introduce a smoking ban in all enclosed public places from March next year A similar ban was announced in October for Northern Ireland, which is due to come into effect in 2007.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
19 August 2005
Smoking ban ‘will widen health inequalities gap’, doctors claim
The government’s partial smoking ban will widen the health gap between the richest and poorest people in the UK, a study published in the British Medical Journal has claimed.
Smoking ban ‘will widen health inequalities gap’, doctors claim
The government’s partial smoking ban will widen the health gap between the richest and poorest people in the UK, a study published in the British Medical Journal has claimed.
28 April 2005
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
10 November 2004
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
