Stunell Promises "I'm Voting Smoke free"

5.42.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Feb 2006

Local MP, Andrew Stunell has promised to support a full ban of smoking in all pubs and clubs in today's all-important vote in the House of Commons.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"I hope that today's vote will spell the end of smoking in all workplaces and enclosed public places. This is a great opportunity to improve the health of people in Stockport and to save lives.

"Excluding non-food pubs and private members' clubs from the ban would create a loophole that would widen health inequalities. There is no reason why a minority of workers, many of whom live in the poorest areas, should be denied the same protection that this Bill offers to the majority. Exposure at work may cause more than 50 deaths in the hospitality industry per year - almost one person per week.

"According to figures from North West ASH, the vast majority of people in Stockport and 80% of people across the North West support legislation to ban smoking in public places.

"The medical evidence for the need for a ban is now well established and I hope that by tonight we will have a comprehensive law ending smoking in all workplaces."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Please contact Jane Allen, 0207 2195223 for a photograph of Andrew Stunell campaigning with the British Heart Foundation for smokefree workplaces.