Stephen Crabb MP has confirmed that he will today vote in favour of an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, banning smoking in cars when children are present.
More than 700 health experts have written to MPs, urging them to back the measure which will make it illegal to smoke in cars carrying children in England from 2015. Medical professionals told MPs that smoking was a “major cause of ill-health in children”, arguing that smoking in cars exposes children to particularly “high amounts of tobacco smoke”.
Last week, Cancer Research UK published new statistics for Pembrokeshire revealing that nearly a quarter of all people in the County smoke. Their research showed that although the overall incidence of lung cancer in Pembrokeshire was similar to the Welsh average, the survival rate was slightly lower. The report also highlighted that in Wales, 16% of boys and 11% of girls smoke regularly by the age of 15.
Critics of the ban have argued that it could prove unenforceable and ineffective. However, Cancer Research UK have compiled evidence to show that laws do have an effect on people’s smoking habits. Their research tracks the marked decline in smoking at key junctures such as the 2007 smoking ban. Health campaigners also point out that bans on smoking in cars with children already exist in many countries including Australia, Canada, South Africa and the US.
Speaking from Westminster, Stephen said,
“I take a relatively liberal view on smoking but we’ve all become a lot more educated about the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Back in 2009 I was one of a minority of Conservative MPs who voted for a full ban on smoking in public places. I received a lot of criticism at the time but I don’t meet anyone these days who would want to go back to the days of smoking indoors in public spaces. Far fewer people smoke since that ban was introduced and I think it is right that we legislate to protect children from any other harmful, avoidable situations.
Although health matters are devolved to the Welsh Government, I am grateful to Cancer Research for sending me the Pembrokeshire statistics and I really hope that the Welsh Government will consider introducing similar measures to protect children in Wales.”
For more information about smoking and cancer rates in Pembrokeshire, please follow the below link:
