Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

SMOKING

In a week or two there will be a debate in the Commons and a vote on whether or not we should ban smoking in all public buildings, including all licensed premises. The bill currently going through the House allows a number of exceptions, especially pubs and clubs where no food is served. There is a great deal of pressure to extend the ban to all public buildings.
This issue involves tension between public health and freedom.
We all know that smoking causes major health problems, costs the National Health Service and the taxpayer a fortune every year and can seriously impact the health of non-smokers through the curse of passive smoking.

On the other hand, we live in a country where for centuries smokers have long enjoyed the freedom to light up a fag and fill the room with their smoke. That is the British way: freedom to live as we choose provided there is no direct harm caused to others, even if it harms ourselves, even if our irresponsibility carries great risks and a public price tag. Several constituents have written to me urging me to use my vote to allow this precious freedom to continue.

But I have decided not to. I will vote for a full ban. I have no doubt that a total ban would come in anyway in five years or so, as has happened in Ireland and other countries. The owners of aeroplanes, trains, many restaurants and hotels are all moving in that direction. This issue has momentum and we may as well accept the inevitable and move to a full ban now.

Also, the evidence about the harm and cost caused by this bizarre habit are growing steadily and it is time to address this head on. I am particularly concerned that more and more teenagers are taking up the dreaded weed, and that can only add to the Health bill in years to come. The ban on advertising did little to slow this trend.

But my main reason for voting for a ban is because the perils of passive smoking have got to be tackled. Any person who smokes using a filter is actually inhaling less cacogenic substance than the person standing next to him, who does not have that protection.
People will remain free to smoke in their own homes or outside. But for all the non-smoking workers, drinkers and diners, it is time to take a stand.

posted by Nigel on Tuesday, January 31, 2006