We will all benefit through the end of tobacco subsidies - Lynne

2.28.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Oct 2005

The European Parliament Budget Committee has voted to scrap over £500m in subsidies to European tobacco farmers, the money saved earmarked for improving anti-smoking campaigns.

Liz Lynne MEP, who has repeatedly spoken out against smoking in public places and the subsidies that support the industry, said today in Brussels,

"This is an excellent step forward. I think tobacco farmers must act to switch their production from tobacco and this will be a helpful means of pushing them in the right direction.

"Axing the tobacco subsidy is a good start, and a necessary one.

"Tobacco farms are often found to use heavy use fertilisers, which can seriously damage the land and surrounding environment. The sooner we can make the switch to more environmentally friendly crops, the better for us all."

ENDS.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 003222847521(Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 01789 262785.