Majority of MPs support smoking ban

Monday, 15 August 2005 12:00 AM

More than two thirds of MPs support a smoking ban in enclosed public spaces, according to a new poll.

The survey of 153 MPs, by Cancer Research UK and pressure group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), found 69 per cent supported the ban compared with only 51 per cent a year ago.

Cancer Research UK's director of tobacco control, Jean King, said this showed the growing support for a comprehensive smoking ban, and the government could no longer ignore the "majority voice of people and politicians".

But smoker's group Forest described a ban in all public places "unnecessary" and "illiberal".

The government is currently consulting on introducing a ban by 2008, in which pubs that do not prepare food would be exempt, but the survey found most MPs did not back such an exemption.

It also found 91 per of MPs said the government had a responsibility to make people's lives healthier by positively discouraging smoking.

A further 77 per cent thought a ban would make visiting public places more pleasant.

"Support for comprehensive smokefree legislation is strong among MPs, and continues to grow. Many recent opinion polls have shown high public support for the measure, and it has been popular in Ireland," Ms King said.

Referring to the plans to exempt pubs serving food, she added the government should not allow for "exemptions and loopholes" in any ban.

Director of Ash Deborah Arnett concurred, saying the survey showed most MPs "share our view that anything less than a comprehensive smokefree law would be an ineffective and timid disappointment".

"This is a critical and overdue public health reform. It will protect the health of workers and members of the public in currently smoke-filled workplaces," Ms Arnett said.

But Simon Clark, director of Forest, said other opinion polls showed a majority of the public were opposed to a ban on smoking in pubs, clubs and bars.

"A ban on smoking in all public places is as unnecessary as it is illiberal," Mr Clark said.

"If people wanted a blanket ban on smoking they would vote with their feet but that isn't happening."

The survey was carried out by Communicate Research on behalf of Ash and Cancer Research UK between July 4th and July 28th.

Tags: