PRESS RELEASE

FROM ALAN KEEN MP

Immediate Release 06 February 2006

CALL TIME ON PASSIVE SMOKING

Members of Parliament will be given the opportunity of a free vote next week on the issue of smoking in public places. Local MP Alan Keen will be voting for a complete ban.

Alan Keen, commenting on the vote next week, said:

“Over the last few years, I have been contacted by many constituents on this issue and the majority have made it known to me they want an outright ban on smoking. This ban will help protect non-smokers and those working behind the bar from passive smoking in many pubs and clubs up and down the country.

The debate had gone on for many years but it is now the right time for a ban on smoking in public places including pubs. It will give clear guidance to landlords and employees. I supported a campaign in 2003 on the issue and at that time the British Medical Association estimated that more than one thousand people died prematurely in the UK each year from the effects of passive smoking - that’s at least three people every day.

We must call time on this health issue now – it is a bold move and something that will not be approved by all but certainly by the vast majority  - and that’s what is important to me.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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