Government Anti-Smoking Campaign

The government has announced a new £12 million anti-smoking campaign, as part of the Health of the Nation strategy. This action has been met with calls for a tougher approach from the government, namely a complete ban on tobacco advertising.

Kevin Barron, the Labour MP whose bill opposing tobacco advertising is due for debate in February, said that although commendable, the Government’s £12m was small compared to the £300m the tobacco industry spends on advertising and promotion. His view was echoed by David Blunkett, shadow Health Secretary, who said that the first step in any campaign to stop smoking had to be a ban on advertising.