Labour pays the price
Friday, May 2, 2008 
During an interview with Labour's deputy leader Harriet Harman on Five Live Breakfast this morning, Nicky Campbell read out an email from a Labour activist in the north of England who said three things had influenced people not to vote for the party in yesterday's local elections. One of them was the smoking ban.
Interesting. Very interesting.
As Forest has frequently said (even putting our money where our mouth is with advertisements in The House magazine, Blake's Parliamentary Yearbook and elsewhere): "Smokers are voters, too."
Now, I'm not naive enough to think that the smoking ban is a major election issue for most people, but in a tight election it could yet be a significant one.
The chickens, it seems, are coming home to roost. But is Labour listening?
Reader Comments (40)
Smokers!
The media have predictably failed to make any mention of the effect of the smoking ban on labour's vote
Please, please get posting on Grauniad's Comment is Free, Telegraph, Mail, Sun and -very important - local papers
I really think that it would be helpful if smokers who didn't vote Labour in the local elections because of the ban were to write to their MPs and tell them so. Warn them also that their voting behaviour in the general election will be influenced by the issue.
The question of the value of writing to MPs has been touched on in another thread - it can be effective. MPs might, in public, continue to support the ban, but if their postbags are full of letters from angry smokers they won't ignore the level and strength of feeling.
Furthermore, unless smokers make it clear that the ban is an issue then political defeat will be attributed to other factors only, not least of all by politicians themselves, blissfully ignorant that the ban has caused division and damage.
Brown is a stupid politician and is leading Labour into the wilderness. Politicians offer tax cuts, universal health care, low inflation, decent public services and do not pick on minorities whose votes they need.There is no loss to them by attacking illegal immigration as those being attacked do not have a vote and it is popular with sections of the electorate. They can be hard on crime for the very same reasons.
However, the smoking ban has alienated a large percentage of the voting public without gaining them any votes as most non smokers are at best neutral about the ban. Cancelling the Super Casino in Blackpool because of his own religious beliefs again was of no electoral benefit to Labour but mattered to the thousands in Blackpool who were hoping for employment and regeneration. Tinkering with the licensing laws only aggravates the already hard pressed publicans and the long suffering drinkers. The thugs and hoodies the restrictions are aimed against are not old enough to vote anyway.
Attacking motorists with so called Green Taxes is certainly not going to win any votes in the popularity stakes since the money raised is perceived to be used dropping thousands of tonnes of armaments on innocent civilians in Iraq.
The abolition of the 10% tax rate has only improved the lot of people in the £35k a year bracket while hitting hardest the lowest paid. This is hardly the correct policy for a Labour government to pursue.
Reclassification of cannabis is again another joke obviously based on his Presbyterian background. The police do not want to spend large amounts of resources on a non violent problem and we could go back to the days of students having their future careers ruined for having a drunken spliff at a party and subsequently receiving a criminal record. Where are the votes for Labour in this policy?
There are numerous other policies that Brown is pursuing that are only vote losers and unless Labour ditches him fast and replaces him with a politician who listens to the voters, they will find themselves in the same state as the post John Major Conservative Party.
I think Gordon Brown is marvellous, for the Tory Party that is. We couldn't wish for a better Labour leader than him.
I just pray that they keep gormless Gordon on as leader until the General election. If they stump up one of their bright young things as a new leader, we could have to start all over again.
So please, I am appealing to everyone, don't knock old Gormless too much, or we could end up with another 11 years of hard Labour.
I think it's really positive that you heard that comment on national TV Simon. It may not be the main election issue for many, but there must be many Labour voters like me for whom it was just the last straw.
I would never be persuaded that crime, hospitals, schools etc are safer in the Tories' hands - but I might just be persuaded that the Tories are not currently afflicted by the same puritanical megolomania that the Labour Government has succombed to in the last term of office.
I think that with 2 years to go to the general election if we write enough letters to labour MPs with the slogan "can't smoke, won't vote" attitude and you deserve this because of the nanny state/smoking ban we may get somewhere. Let us sieze the moment.
Never post when you come home from the pub at night, we will add to that also from a good Friday luch before the weekend.
"Seize" the moment.
I did vote, but not for any of the main 3 parties, UKIP got mine, first time ever.
The lies about giving us a referendum on the Lisbon treaty, and the vindictive smoking ban, the back to front justice in this Country forced me off my backside to vote.
I do not know whether this will hold any sway but you can comment on the Labour Party's website. Here is my effort.
http://www.labour.org.uk/brown_promises_to_listen_and_lead,2008-05-02
"I am sure the economy, the credit crunch, oil prices and the Iraq war had an effect on voting. The economy, oil prices and credit crunch maybe beyond the full control of Gordon Brown. On Iraq I believe the Labour Party acted in good faith. But what made me stay at home and not vote is something which I really do resent the Labour for and that is the smoking ban. Standing outside in all weathers, interrupting my conversation to go outside, made to feel like a second class citizen, frankly I have no sympathy Gordon for you or the Labour Party. Any political party that wishes to introduce separate well ventilated rooms in pubs will be getting my vote.
I've left a comment, Dave, under the name "J" (I wasn't being furtive, I thought that they would also use my surname).
I left a comment on the Labour Party website as well, but it, and all others which mention the smoking ban have been removed. So, when Gordon Brown says that he promises to listen, he either has selective listening, or his cronies don't even let it get within earshot.
I've also added a post, which is there presently - be interesting to see if it disappears too. I said,
Rose Message left at 07:20 pm, Fri 2nd May 2008
I disagree, Allan. I think smoking has a great deal to do with this vote. I'm sure I'm not the only active Labour Party member for whom it was the last straw. I used to feel irritated when people spoke about Labour's nanny state, but now I understand what they meant. While I'm all for non-smokers having the right to smoke-free environments, whatever happened to choice? Our smoking ban is the most draconian in Europe and shows a blatant disregard for millions of this country's citizens, who could so easily have been accommodated with separate smoking rooms or licences. And I can't help but think, what is this power-crazed Labour Government going to ban next?
Measured, reasoned, erudite, well done guys.
Hi I am not at all suprised by the awful result from Labour. Us smokers have not been help by the Nanny Gordon Brown at all. Has any one seen the supersmoker? They are expensive and I believe will be allowed in the pubs. This is a real nanny state. Regards Amandah
This is absolutely shocking. On the very day they say they need to listen to our views, they f***ing DELETE our views!
How dare they?
I also find it amazing that posts critical of everything else seem to be left alone. It's just ones complaining about the smoking ban that are made "unposts".
Talk about the power of the media.
I couldn't be more glad that these Marxists are on the way out.
Their deleting of unfavourable opinions, being as they're doing it AFTER the election, demonstrates in the strongest possible terms that this party of fearmongers and control freaks deserve the thrashing they are now getting. May it cut deep into their arrogance and leave permanent damage. This is what you get when you f*** with the British public.
However it is always good to stick the boot in,
Yes, mine has gone, too despite saying that the Government refuses to listen:
I never thought that I could loathe a Government more than that of Margaret Thatcher - until New Labour came along. For me one word sums up New Labour, 'authoritarianism' and our society is now littered with examples of a government that is determined to impose its will with punitive enforcement. I would like to highlight the example of the comprehensive smoking ban which was in breach of the Labour Party's manifesto pledge. Politicians listened to the spin of a pernicious lobby and the Government, in implementing draconian legislation, has spearheaded a campaign of demonisation of 25% of the population whilst being happy to accept the substantial financial contribution that those very people make to the Treasury. The hospitality industry has been seriously affected yet the Government continues to deny that the ban is other than a resounding success. The ban has created division, anger and isolation for many of the most vulnerable in our society. Whilst not of such major importance as the 'big issues', nevertheless, all other things being equal if might play its part in the downfall of New Labour. My voting behaviour at the general election will certainly be influenced by this issue.
This is another stick to beat them with - I'll certainly be mentioning it when I get the chance.
I would normally vote labour, but didn't last year in the Scottish elections as a protest at the smoking ban.
Interesting -but not entirely surprising - that nulabor should be prepared only to "listen" selectively; deleting comments which don't fit with their notion of what they'd like to be listening to.
Oh Gordon, you're so admirable, courageous and much better than that Blair chap but perhaps you could explain the Global Credit Crunch in a way us poor duffers without PPE degrees can get our silly heads around? Then we might love you again.
Yeh, ri-i-i-ght.
A word of caution. In order to comment, you need to register with a bit more than just an e-mail addy. So they'll know exactly where you live. According to Guido Fawkes, they've got some pretty sophisticated software on the page for verifying postcodes. They've been data-mining like this even from the Tributes to Gwyneth Dunwoody page supposedly set up by the local party, but with all the mined-data being sent to NuLab HQ.
Lets keep those comments up at Labour's website now I gues we should be good to Boris and the Tories. Here is my go.
"Dear Sir or Madam,
I hope you are well.
Congratulations Boris on your election and winning all the councils, it certainly has made my week. One aspect that I thought gave Boris an edge was coming out in favour of relaxing the smoking ban. I have had a quick look at the Labour Party's website, frankly for a bit of schadanfreude and came across the "Gordon is listening" (oxymoron) section many people mention the smoking ban. Well done Boris!! Lets hope you can repeat Boris' message and really give Labour a drubbing. Congratulations again."
https://www.conservatives.com/contact.us.page.do
Ladies and gents, I'm not sure what you are meaning when you say the smoking posts have been deleted on the "Gordon is listening" site. Mine is still there along with many others. Don't be discouraged, post your views!
I was up most of the night,watching BBC,with the politicians,offering their reasons for the forthcoming demise of the Labour party,and,,NOT ONCE did they give the smoking ban as a reason..ARE THEY THAT STUPID?...
Rose, my comment has definitely disappeared unless it is now on a 'previous page' which I'm missing.
I don't know where politicians get their information from, Swansea-Terry, but if it's only from the MSM and the likes of ASH then they'll be blissfully unaware of the anger felt among smokers. So we need to write to them and tell them. If, in fact, they are aware, there is the opportunity for them to amend the legislation when it comes up for review. But again, we need to keep writing at opportune moments so that they know that smokers are not settling down and adapting to the ban. I think that now is one of those moments while they're mulling over what went wrong for Labour.
Had Ken Livingstone stayed independent, I believe he would still be mayor of London. Representing Labour and their 1,000 new laws, including the smoking ban must have gone against him.
You can comment on Boris with the Daily Express. I've just posted 'Passive smoking kills Labour'.
Hi Joyce, there is a comment on the ban from someone called "J", so I thought that was you! It's odd that posts about the ban should have disappeared because there must be a dozen posts citing the smoking ban as one of the reasons for Labour's demise. You know you have to register on the site to post if you're not a LP member - did your registration say it had been accepted before you posted?
Rose, yes there is a "J" but that's not me. My post was certainly accepted - it appeared on the site. I kept the window open and when I read on here that posts had disappeared I copied mine (reproduced above) before refreshing the page which was when I noticed that it had gone. I'll try re-submitting a slightly amended version.
Oooh is that you Joyce, "Jay"? Well written!
I'm afraid that there is little significance in this result. Ken and Boris are both quite big personalities, and the election has been good entertainment - but little more.
We are ruled, not represented, and the political and administrative class will simply continue to extend it's power and reach, whichever party may apparently hold the reigns.
I'm really pleased so many people are like me disgusted that the smoking ban does not permit smoking designated areas.
I've always voted Labour since 1992. But never will again unless they amend this totalitarian legistlation.
Lets start writing now!
Read my full post below if you like:
uk.messages.news.yahoo.com/UK/threadview?m=te&bn=UKN-UK-Labour-Party&tid=81&mid=-1&tof=3&rt=2&frt=2&off=1#-1"
Thanks, Rose. Yes it's me - I toned it down and re-posted. Don't know what happened to the origninal maybe it was my saying that I loathed NuLabour more than I'd loathed Thatcher (not the most tactful thing to state on their website)!!
I won't be wasting my time this weekend in writing to any sites where my posts can be blocked or removed.
I'll use it to hone down four simple letters. One each to the Tory and Labour leaders. One each to my local Tory MP [Michael Howard], and my local Labour candidate.
My message will be that these present local election results should not be interpreted as a vote for the Tories.
I'll remind them that the 15 million dispossessed smokers are voters, as are all citizens suffering under the present dictatorship regime.
As Bernard Shaw once said, "If I'd have had more time, I'd have written a shorter letter."
It's going to take me ages!
Well said, Karl. Perhaps Labour will now realise what a mistake it was to disregard their traditional voters in favour of wooing the Tory and LibDem votes.
Hi all
Will not post to labour site if they are being removed. I live in North Warwickshire and was desperate to vote for the first time ever, I went to the school that useually host such events, nothing, eventualy went to local library, it was not our turn to vote!!! I still feel i need somewhere to vent my anger, even my company has withdrawn smoking breaks!!
Hi all
Will not post to labour site if they are being removed. I live in North Warwickshire and was desperate to vote for the first time ever, I went to the school that useually host such events, nothing, eventualy went to local library, it was not our turn to vote!!! I still feel i need somewhere to vent my anger, even my company has withdrawn smoking breaks!!
There's a wonderful comment from a "Liesa" on the "Gordon Brown..." site.
never mind your posts being deleted SEARCH 10 downing street and put your comment to brown by email. I wrote to brown the day after the results and i also said about the smoking ban being unfair. I went out and voted and my vote was a way of protest. So come on you lot email brown and tell him.
Here is something everyone can do, to help get back our freedom of choice as smokers.
Go to the two web site links below, and send as many emails as possible through their contact pages. Cut and paste the following if you like -
Do you realise, that the majority of the people that voted AGAINST Labour, are SMOKERS? If you want to keep their vote, you need to relax the anti-smoking laws and cater for smoking voters ASAP.
https://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=contact.us.page
http://www.labour.org.uk/contact
I have been a Labour voter for over forty years. I voted Tory in our local election solely because of the undemocratic and draconian smoking ban. It dwarfed all other issues for me and my views were, politely, passed on to all the canvassers and tellers I met. There may not be millions who feel like me but there are a few thousand of us. It doesn't take many votes to change the electoral swingometer. Labour and her obsessive nannies have been warned. If they won't listen, I sincerely hope the Tories do.
Reply to my email
'The Labour Party welcomes all comments and feedback. I can assure you that any issues raised are considered carefully and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to contact us.
All comments are noted and will be passed to the relevant department(s)'.
Are they listening?