Reid's smoking ban views rounded on by Opposition

The health secretary has been slammed by Opposition parties today after he suggested that there should not be blanket ban on smoking as it is "one of the few pleasures" the poor have left.

John Reid, a former smoker, told a Labour Big Conversation event earlier today that people from "lower socio-economic categories have very few pleasures in life, and one of them they regard as smoking".

But his comments are in stark contrast to Tony Blair's own view - the Prime Minister told BBC Breakfast last week that the government was considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places.

Mr Blair, also a former smoker, said that there was "no doubt" that smoking damages health and that non-smokers would prefer to a smoke-free environment.

He said that there had to be "some local decision-making", hinting that the government would derogate a smoking ban from the Cabinet table to the council chamber.

But Dr Reid said today that banning smoking was not an end in itself – raising the financial and employment expectations of deprived individuals would led to improved lifestyle choices.

"We want everyone to live a healthy lifestyle but not everyone lives in the same circumstances. If we wish to change people's habits we will often have to help change the circumstances in which they live," he said.

The Tories claimed that Dr Reid has caused confusion over the government's true intentions in the issue.

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he "deplored the mixed messages" emanating from senior government figures.

Mr Lansley said: "It is impossible to see how the government can promote a consistent public health strategy when with one hand it is funding the British Heart Foundation's ad campaign against smoking, and with the other John Reid makes remarks likes these. If John Reid believes individuals should be free to make their own choices, why at the same time is Tony Blair talking up a ban on smoking in public places?"

He added: "To suggest that for a poor mum with three kids to be smoking is anything other than damaging, coming from the Health Secretary, is regrettable."

The Lib Dems too rounded on John Reid, saying his comments were "patronising, damaging and based on weak assumptions".

Lib Dem Shadow Health Secretary, Paul Burstow, said: "John Reid’s message to those in deprived areas is not ‘let them eat cake’ but ‘let them smoke fags'.

"This is yet more evidence that the health secretary has no clue when it comes to public health. His statement is patronising, damaging and based on weak assumptions.

"The Health Secretary must stop making these shallow comments and come out in favour of a smoking ban in public places. Such a ban would deliver substantial health benefits and protect staff and customers from the effects of second-hand smoke, and would help many more kick the habit."

(gmcg)