MPs snuggle up to clean bill of health

Meg Hillier last night joined over 400 other MPs in voting for a total smoking ban

The move came exactly 14 years to the day since smoking was banned on the top of London’s buses.

“It’s a Valentine’s love message to the health of the nation,” said Hackney South and Shoreditch MP Meg. “Just as we would find it odd now to sit on a smokey bus we’ll soon get used to cleaner, fresher, healthier pubs, clubs and restaurants.”

Last week Meg visited the newly reopened Pembury pub on Amhurst Road which landlord Steve Early had decided to open as a non smoking pub from day one. He already has another pub in Haringey.

“I was interested that the Pembury’s new landlord sees no smoking as a selling point and for his staff it’s a bonus for their health.”

Meg has also been asking residents of Hackney what they think about smoking in public places.

MPs were offered a free vote on whether smoking should be banned outright in all public places or whether there should be a partial ban, exempting pubs that do not sell food and private members clubs.

All constituents who responded to Meg called for a full ban.

MPs voted in favour of a total ban with no exemptions.

This means that when the health bill becomes law, within the next year, smoking will be outlawed in all public places.

Meg said, “As a non smoker I hate smoky atmospheres and there are compelling health reasons to stop smoking so I was minded to vote for a full ban. I was pleased so many Hackney residents contacted me with their views.”