Stephen's view on Smoking in Public Places

Legislation to combat smoking has been one of my longstanding political interests. For the last three general elections when I was asked what single new law I would introduce if elected, my answer has consistently been to ban smoking in public places. The government has brought forward its own legislation on this issue so my Private Members Bill will not be needed. However, I am very concerned that the government's proposals are too weak.

The Liberal Democrats share concerns about the negative health effects of smoking. We believe that there should be legislation to make all workplaces and enclosed public places smoke-free. We have raised our concerns at Westminster and will continue to argue for a national ban on smoking in all public places.

A study by London's St George's and Royal Free hospitals has suggested that many studies on the effects of second hand smoke, based on those exposed to second hand smoke primarily by a partner, seem to underestimate the risks of contact with passive smoke. People exposed to passive smoking from a variety of sources, including their workplace, had a 50-60% increased risk of heart disease. Standing in the path of a smoker or their cigarette or being in a room in which there are smokers brings people into contact with at least 50 agents known to cause cancer and other chemicals that increase blood pressure, damage the lungs and cause abnormal kidney function.

Second-hand smoke is also a significant danger in the workplace. More than three million employees are exposed to tobacco smoke in at their job. Smoking in the workplace undermines the efforts of smokers trying to give up, and the Royal College of Physicians has estimated that if all the workplaces in the UK became smoke-free 300,000 more people would stop smoking. The evidence that the public supports a ban on smoking in public places is also great. A number of surveys by the Office of National Statistics have found immense public support for a ban on smoking in the workplace. Additionally, an ICM poll for the BBC found 65% of respondents in favour of a smoking ban in all public places.

In the light of these and other facts, and with the support of the Royal College of Nursing, the British Medical Association and the Chief Medical Officer, the Liberal Democrats have been active in campaigning for a ban on smoking in the workplace and all public areas. This would protect staff and customers from the effects of second-hand smoke, and would help many more kick the habit.

Several local authorities, including Liverpool and Manchester, have already indicated that they would ban smoking in the workplace if they had the power. Liberal Democrat controlled Liverpool City Council is a partner in Smoke Free Liverpool and I am pleased that Bristol City Council has formed a similar partnership and I obviously want to play a supportive role in this venture.

As a member of the Health Bill standing committee, which scrutinised the new laws for restricting smoking, I worked hard with colleagues to persuade the government to implement a comprehensive ban. I was part of a cross-party coalition that supported an amendment to the bill that removed the Government's current nonsensical exemptions.

The Scottish Parliament, where the Liberal Democrats are partners in the coalition government, has voted for a full ban on smoking in public places. Smoking bans have been successful in Ireland and New York. I am sure that a ban in England and Wales will mark a huge step forward in the wellbeing and good health of millions of people.

I have also signed Early Day Motion 833 which I believe to be the most comprehensive Motion regarding a full smoking ban.