Government strategy to reduce smoking
Friday, November 2, 2007 
The following question received a written answer in the House of Commons on Tuesday (October 30).
David Anderson (Labour MP for Blaydon): To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider the merits of using litigation against tobacco companies in relation to damage caused by their products to the health of British citizens.
Dawn Primarolo: Smoking is the biggest cause of premature death and one of the most significant causes of health inequality in the United Kingdom. The Department’s approach to tobacco control is based on a six-strand strategy to reduce smoking prevalence through the following action:
- Reducing tobacco advertising and promotion
- Supporting smokers to quit through the national health service
- Running effective smoking communications and education campaigns
- Regulating tobacco products
- Reducing availability and supply of tobacco
- Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke
While the Department has no intention at this point in time to use litigation against tobacco companies in relation to the damage their products cause to health, individuals may take such action.
Reader Comments (3)
Dawn Primarolo? Also known to some as Dawn Primadonna and even Dawn Primarollyerown. Isn't she the one who's never held a proper job outside parliament? So much for her experience of life then!
A prat, I think...
I like her idea that smoking is the biggest cause of premature death. Even the WHO came across this in their website propaganda. They claimed that it was 4.9 million a year. However, Assumptiom, Greed and Ignorance has caused more deaths individually than any other form of death. Each one can be measured in terms of being a thousand times greater than any possible death from tobacco. Wasn't it WHO that succeeded in banning DDT and therefore, caused 3 million deaths per year from Malaria.
Another intersting point is MRSA and its increase in hospitals. Strange it becomes highlighted since the NHS banned smoking in hospitals.
Alun C
I noticed that as well. Wouldn't it be funny if they did a study and found that something in tobacco smoke actually kills superbugs! Come on you scientists do some tests. You can always make up the results to fit what you are trying to prove!