Simon Clark Quotes on Smoking (6 Quotes)

Smokers are well aware of the health risks of smoking. There's no need to rub their noses in it, ... All that is needed is a simple written warning.

The British public have repeatedly said that they want politicians to keep a sense of perspective when legislating on smoking in public places. The vast majority want a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities with decent ventilation. Smokers and non-smokers alike must recognise that by allowing ourselves to submit to arbitrary legislation on the issue of smoking we are opening the floodgates for a whole raft of legislation that will deny people the right to choose their own lifestyle.

We're obviously disappointed in that this is a massive shift in terms of restrictions on smoking in public places. However, it could have been a whole lot worse.

Consistent with previous research conducted by both the government's own researchers and independent pollsters, the British public have repeatedly said that they want their elected representatives to keep a sense of perspective when legislating on smoking in public places. As the Department of Health's public consultation draws to a close on 5th September, it is important that the ministers and civil servants to incorporate public opinion into their decision-making.

Surveys, including government research, show that most people want a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities in pubs and clubs. Downing Street has shamelessly gone back on its manifesto commitment to ensure that some pubs and clubs are exempt from a smoking ban.

Banning public smoking to reduce the number of people who smoke is low on people's list of priorities. Government should not use legislation to force people to give up smoking.