Scottish Labour’s Dr Richard Simpson has welcomed an initiative by the UK Government to halve the number of people smoking by 2010. The strategy includes a crackdown on cigarette smoking.

Last week, the Scottish parliament passed a new Tobacco control bill banning display of tobacco and vending machines and introducing tougher fines and potential banning orders for those selling to under eighteens.

Scottish Labour Health Spokesman Dr Richard Simpson said:

“It is regrettable that the SNP-Tory alliance in the Scottish Parliament voted down measures which would have toughened this bill even further in blocking all forms of promotion of tobacco.

“However the additional measures proposed at a UK level are very welcome. Almost 25% of cigarettes consumed are from an illegal source. Increasing the efforts to drive down tobacco smuggling is vital in tackling smoking.

“The campaigns to reduce children’s exposure to smoke in cars and in the home are also important and I hope the Scottish Government will give them their full support.”

Dr Simpson added:

“The targets now being set in England to reduce smoking in 11-15 year olds from 6% to under 1% and Adult smoking from 20% to under 10% by 2020 are very challenging but Scotland should not be left behind.”

02/02/10