Menu
02/02/2006
Free vote for MPs on smoking ban
MPs will be allowed a free vote on proposals to introduce a smoking ban in England, including an option to introduce a total ban.
MPs will have three options to choose from when the vote takes place at the report stage of the Health Bill in the Commons later this month. One will ban smoking in all clubs, including private clubs, another will exclude private clubs from the ban and the final option will exclude both private clubs and pubs which do not serve food - the government's original proposed policy.
The move follows a split in the Cabinet over smoking policy, with ministers divided on the issue of a total smoking ban. It has been reported that Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has indicated that she will vote in favour of a total smoking ban.
Commenting on the free vote, Public Health Minister Caroline Flint, said: "It is important that MPs have a clear choice to convey their views around this controversial issue.
"By drafting the new clause and amendment in this way, we will be offering a genuine choice to MPs, at the same time as ensuring the legislation is workable.
A second new clause, proposing increasing the age limit for purchasing tobacco from 16 to 18, has also been tabled to the Health Bill. The Health Secretary had launched a consultation on the issue in December.
The new clause would allow ministers to increase the age limit, depending on the outcome of the legislation, rather than wait for new legislation to pass through Parliament.
(KMcA)
MPs will have three options to choose from when the vote takes place at the report stage of the Health Bill in the Commons later this month. One will ban smoking in all clubs, including private clubs, another will exclude private clubs from the ban and the final option will exclude both private clubs and pubs which do not serve food - the government's original proposed policy.
The move follows a split in the Cabinet over smoking policy, with ministers divided on the issue of a total smoking ban. It has been reported that Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has indicated that she will vote in favour of a total smoking ban.
Commenting on the free vote, Public Health Minister Caroline Flint, said: "It is important that MPs have a clear choice to convey their views around this controversial issue.
"By drafting the new clause and amendment in this way, we will be offering a genuine choice to MPs, at the same time as ensuring the legislation is workable.
A second new clause, proposing increasing the age limit for purchasing tobacco from 16 to 18, has also been tabled to the Health Bill. The Health Secretary had launched a consultation on the issue in December.
The new clause would allow ministers to increase the age limit, depending on the outcome of the legislation, rather than wait for new legislation to pass through Parliament.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
28 April 2005
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
10 November 2004
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
29 November 2005
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
