South Bristol has a long history with the tobacco industry. Generations of south Bristol families worked for W.D. & H.O. Wills, and Imperial Tobacco still base their UK headquarters here today. While this industry brought wealth to Bristol, it left a devastating legacy at home and abroad. To this day, rates of COPD are significantly higher than national averages, and the outcomes of smoking have had a hugely adverse impact on our health.
As a former smoker myself, I know how difficult it can be to quit. When it comes to health, prevention is always better than cure.
That is why, to protect children from the harmful impacts of tobacco and vaping, Labour this week have announced the biggest public health prevention measure in a generation. Through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, we will be raising the age at which people can legally buy tobacco by one year, every year.
This will create the first smoke-free generation, protecting children and vulnerable people from the harms of smoke, and save thousands of lives.
I know that some constituents have contacted me regarding their concerns about suggestions of banning smoking outdoors, and I have also been in touch with the Whitchurch Folk House about their concerns on this matter.
Following discussions with the hospitality sector, the Government will not be pursuing any plans to ban smoking in the gardens of pubs and restaurants in England.
I am proud to be part of a Government which is delivering on health prevention, protecting children, and taking a realistic approach to the health of this and future generations.