Meg Hillier MP launches smoking debate

Meg Hillier MP wants to know what you think about smoking in public places

Should smoking be banned outright in all pubs and clubs? Or do you favour a partial ban, exempting pubs that do not sell food and private members clubs?

MPs have been given a free vote on this issue and will be voting for a total or partial ban in the next few weeks. The partial ban would outlaw smoking in all enclosed public spaces except private members clubs that voted to be exempt and pubs that do not sell food.

Meg said, ‘as a non-smoker I don’t enjoy smoky atmospheres and the health figures are quite compelling but I am very interested to hear people’s views before I finally make my mind up.’

If you want to tell Meg what you think about smoking write to her at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or e-mail meghilliermp@parliament.uk

Supporters of a total ban point to evidence of the damage of passive smoking. According to research from Imperial College London, 700 deaths are caused each year by second-hand smoke in the workplace.

Opponents of the ban say a total ban would affect freedom of choice and could significantly damage businesses. Some have argued that banning smoking in public increases the risk to children in the home.