Double standards in British Government anti-smoking campaign

Sep 5 2005

The British Medical Association has warned that the Government's anti-smoking campaign launched today (5/9/05) smacks of double standards if it doesn't take action to protect the health of all workers from second-hand smoke.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of Science at the BMA, said:

“This campaign targets smokers because of the danger their smoking poses to others. Public Health Minister Caroline Flint says that ‘both smokers and non-smokers don't appreciate the full dangers of second-hand smoke' - smoke which contains ‘more than 50 known cancer-causing substances'.

“But if the Government is aware of the hazards, how can it defend only a partial ban on smoking in public places - exposing many workers to toxic chemicals just because they're unlucky enough to work in pubs and bars not selling food?

“While the new campaign highlights the individual smoker's responsibility, it is inexcusable for the Government to absolve itself of its own responsibility for its half-hearted stance on protecting vulnerable workers.

“Education campaigns are vital for alerting people to the true dangers of smoking and passive smoking – particularly when pro-smoking groups like Forest promote messages that fly in the face of overwhelming evidence.

“But education campaigns must be backed up with policy. The Government is the guardian of the public's health - actions speak louder than words.”