Smoking petition group meets Lords
The fight to overturn the Government's smoking ban hit Westminster today when campaigners made their case to members of the House of Lords.
Freedom to Choose - the group behind a 30,000 signature petition - won the support of the Lords' opposition health spokesman Earl Howe and fellow peer Lord Palmer.
Four members of the group - including a licensee, a doctor and a ventilation expert - gave a presentation to the peers.
If Tony Blair resigned today he would leave the most appalling legacy of any Prime MinisterLord Palmer
Spokesman Bob Feal-Martinez said afterwards: "I think it was very, very positive. They listened and seemed to agree with the points we made and we can only hope they will take our message to their colleagues and we will have more such meetings."
The group argued the case against a complete ban saying controls were needed but ventilation technology meant a total ban was not the only solution.
They also said the smoke ban would lead to ruin for tens of thousands of the UK's licensees.
Their argument appeared to impress the Lords.
Lord Palmer told morningadvertiser.co.uk: "The meeting has been extremely helpful. This ban is an example of the Government rushing legislation without thinking properly about what all the consequences are likely to be. I was most impressed by the professionalism of Freedom to Choose. I think smoking is the most revolting habit, it's not good for you and it's very expensive. However, I strongly believe that if people wish to smoke they should be allowed to do so - especially with all the ventilation technology available today.
"I don't have a vote in the General Election but if I did I would be absolutely seething with another example of Labour going back on its manifesto. They said one thing and are doing something completely different.
"I think if Tony Blair was to resign today he would leave the country with the most appalling legacy of any Prime Minister."
Earl Howe, opposition health spokesman in the Lords, added: "We've had a very powerful presentation from a group which is tied neither to the tobacco industry, nor the anti-smoking lobby. It is the job of the House of Lords to take as long as it needs to examine not only the Health Bill itself but the rationale behind it and I believe this presentation will help us do this more effectively.
"Now I look forward to the debate."
The group also met with Lord Stoddart of Swindon.
Feal-Martinez said: "We were very impressed with his Lordship's knowledge and understanding of the whole issue and lies about passive smoking.
"He clearly is passionately opposed to what he sees as this undemocratic infringement on civil liberties."
Lord Stoddart told the group he was disgusted that the Government had moved the debate to a General Committee which restricts what the Lords can do until the final stages of the Bill.
Feal-Martinez added: "We are aware that a growing number of peers support us and we hope when the information we have provided is widely circulated the upper house will see the extent of the lies and deceit."
The Health Bill - which includes the legislation to outlaw smoking in pubs - will have to pass thgrough the Lords before it becomes law.
It is due to be discussed by the peers in the middle of next month.
To download a copy of the petition click here.To visit the Big Debate website click here.
To comment on this or any other story email us by clicking this link
Your Comments
Robert Feal-Martinez via email 30/03/2006"As one of those who presented the case for choice I would like , on behalf of all those involved with Freedom to Choose and on behalf of the thousands of Licensees whose lives could well be destroyed by this legislation, to thank their Lordships for their courtesy and attention in listening to our case.
Whilst their is still a long way to go, we were heartened by their clear unequivocal support.
The Freedom to Choose campaign moves to Wales next week where I have the pleasure to address my colleagues in the Welsh LVA. Let this Government be in no doubt, this ban has galvanised the real Licensed Trade the Licensees across the entire UK. National rivalries have been set aside and we are standing together to fight this pernicious intrusion on the public's civil liberties and we will continue to fight to help our Scottish colleagues to overturn, what many believe, is an unlawful ban.
I would also like to thank Iain O'Neil and the Morning Advertiser for their continuing support in highlighting our campaign.
They are truly the 'Voice of the Licensee.'
