West Midlands Euro-MP hails tobacco advertising ban

12.00.00am GMT Thu 13th Feb 2003

West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed the UK ban on tobacco advertising, which is to be imposed from midnight tonight. Liz has campaigned against cigarette advertising for many years.

She said today:

"This ban is a significant milestone in the fight for improving public health. I particularly welcome the fact that it was introduced because of a Liberal Democrat private members bill in the House of Lords."

"This is just the first step in a raft of legislation to limit the marketing of tobacco products over the next few years. From next year, the size of health warnings on cigarette packs will be increased, and the government will be able to use full colour pictures to illustrate the harmful affects of smoking. This has been made possible because of an EU Directive.

"But the Holy Grail of anti-smoking campaigners – a ban of smoking in public places – remains elusive. If individuals wish to smoke as a matter of personal choice, that is their right. However, we must tackle the harmful effects of passive smoking."