MPs support smoke-free law, survey claims

The majority of MPs would support smoke-free legislation, a survey has claimed.

According to research commissioned by anti-smoking lobby ASH and Cancer Research UK, more than two thirds of MPs would support a law making all workplaces and enclosed public places smoke-free.

The survey also found that the MPs also did not support the government’s suggested exemptions for pubs that do not serve prepared food and for private membership clubs.

The survey, conducted by CommunicateResearch, questioned 80 Labour MPs, 45 Conservatives, 22 Liberal Democrats and 6 MPs from smaller parties.

The survey found that nearly 70% would support a smoke-free law covering all workplaces and without the government’s proposed exemptions.

Three-quarters of those surveyed agreed that smoking in workplaces should be banned, while 91% said that the government had a responsibility to try to make people’s lives healthier by actively discouraging smoking.

ASH and Cancer Research UK said that support amongst Mps for smoke-free legislation had now risen from just over half to more than two-thirds.

Commenting on the survey, Jean King, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Tobacco Control said: "Support for comprehensive smoke-free 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.

“The government cannot ignore the majority voice of people and politicians. Introducing legislation with exemptions and loopholes would deny protection to the many thousands of workers in the hospitality industry who are currently exposed to high levels of second-hand smoke.”

Deborah Arnott, Director of ASH, said: “It is clear from this survey that most MPs – along with most members of the public – now want a comprehensive smoke-free law. 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. It will encourage many smokers to quit their lethal habit. It will save thousands of lives. (Health Secretary) Patricia Hewitt must find the political will to follow the Scottish and Irish example. The survey shows that most MPs share our view that anything less than a comprehensive smoke-free law would be an ineffective and timid disappointment.”

(KMcA/SP)