MPs welcome a Smoke-Free England

Brighton's Labour MPs have welcomed the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, such as pubs, restaurants and workplaces which came into force on July 1st.

David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP, pictured with health minister Caroline Flint

Dr Des Turner MP welcomed the ban as the most important piece of public health legislation in a generation which would have "very far reaching benefits" in terms of reducing cancer rates in England.

Pavilion MP David Lepper said: “Last year I was pleased to have the chance to speak in Parliament in the debate on smoking in support of many pub licensees in my constituency who had asked me to support a complete ban in restaurants and pubs.

Simon Burgess, Labour's candidate for Brighton Kemptown, added that trade unions were in favour of the ban as it will protect bar staff and other employees, dramatically reducing illness and death from secondary smoke. "Cigarette smoke and associated cancers are currently the third biggest cause of death in the workplace" added Simon, "this ban is backed by the vast majority of people in this country and will save tens of thousands of lives over the years to come". The Campaign for Real Ale backs the ban and says that more than 800,000 people nationwide are more likely to visit a pub as a result. One constituent in Brighton Kemptown said "I will certainly visit my local for a meal or a drink in the evening more often now. As an asthmatic I found smoky pubs very difficult to spend much time in - and I hated the way my clothes smelled of smoke when I got home. Thanks to Labour all that has changed."