On 14th February Members of Parliament voted to ban smoking from all pubs, clubs and restaurants in England from the summer of 2007. A ban will already come into effect in Scotland this month and in Northern Ireland in April next year. The smoking ban as originally proposed in the Government’s Health Bill excluded private clubs and pubs that didn’t serve food. The Parliamentary Health Select Committee, of which I am a member, felt that proposals for a partial ban were unacceptable and illogical. A partial ban would have left thousands of workers exposed to passive smoking and the danger to their health that goes with it.
MPs of both major parties were given a “free vote” on the issue which meant that there was no party whip on the subject, so the MP was able to vote according to his or her personal view.
The Health Select Committee was presented with research results that clearly showed a link between exposure to second-hand smoke and heart disease. It would have been impossible to justify protecting some pub and club workers but not others. I am delighted that the majority of MPs agreed with the Health Select Committee and I am very pleased that the ban will be implemented.
It is a great feeling to have been a part of something from which thousands of people will benefit and lives will be saved. | 
