MPs to get smokefree valentine message

February 8, 2006

Smokefree campaigners on Merseyside are asking MPs to 'have a heart' when they vote on the issue on Valentine's Day.

The Government announced last week (Feb 2) that the free vote on smoking legislation will take place on February 14 - giving MPs a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect the health of workers in all workplaces across England, including pubs and members' clubs, from second hand smoke.

The smokefree legislation was part of the Government's manifesto pledges, but as a result of widespread campaigning, it is hoped that MPs will go further than the pledge and vote for comprehensive legislation.

Campaigners from Heart of Mersey and SmokeFree Liverpool will be appealing to MPs to vote in favour of 100% workplace restrictions, and sending every MP a Valentine's card bearing the smokefree message.

"This legislation presents a golden opportunity to make a huge stride forward in public health. Putting an end to smoking in the workplace will have a significant impact on heart disease, cancers and all the other illnesses associated with smoking and second hand smoke. We cannot miss this opportunity on Valentine's day," said Pippa Sargent, Smoke Free Programme Manager from Heart of Mersey, the organisation co-ordinating the Merseyside campaign.

"The next couple of weeks are absolutely vital in our campaign," added SmokeFree Liverpool Programme Director Andrea Crossfield. "We will be using every means we can to make sure all MPs understand the reasons for 100% restrictions. Nothing else makes sense."

Survey results released in the last few days show that nationally only 18% of people are opposed to comprehensive smokefree legislation, and SmokeFree Liverpool's own research indicates that more than 70% of people in the city back comprehensive laws - including more than half of all smokers.

The campaigners today met St Helens MP Shaun Woodward to enlist his support and present him with a Valentine card, complete with appropriate 'smokefree' verse. Mr Woodward, who was responsible for introducing smokefree legislation into Northern Ireland, said this week: "The introduction of smoke-free legislation will protect employees and the public in general from the increased health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke such as lung cancer, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, asthma and other circulatory and respiratory diseases. Experience elsewhere suggests that comprehensive controls also help reduce smoking prevalence."

Cllr Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added: "This city has been leading the campaign and it is wonderful to see MPs across the country embracing the arguments. What we want now is for them to vote positively for this hugely significant measure."

Councillor Steve Foulkes, Leader of Wirral Council who is heading up the Merseyside Private Bill, said: "This is a once in a lifetime chance for MPs to make a real difference to people living and working in our most deprived communities. The only equitable solution is smokefree legislation that covers all workplaces - including pubs and clubs. I urge all MPs to make the right choice on February 14."

Both Merseyside and Liverpool have put forward Parliamentary Bills, which could give them the power to create their own laws, if MPs do not vote for comprehensive legislation for the whole country.