THE GUARDIAN: “While the state has a duty to protect children from harm, in a free society, adults must be able to make their own choices about their own lives.
Banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone born in 2009 or later will create an absurd situation where adults enjoy different rights based on their birthdate.
A Conservative government should not be seeking to extend the nanny state. This will only give succour to those who wish to ban further choices of which they don’t approve.
The newly-elected National government in New Zealand is already reversing the generational tobacco ban proposed by the previous administration.
The government urgently needs to follow suit and reverse this profoundly unconservative policy." » | Quotation: Liz Truss | Date unknown | From today’s Guardian.
For once, I fully agree with Liz Truss on this absurd policy. It should be stopped with despatch. This is profoundly undemocratic, unworkable and unpoliceable. As Liz Truss says, adults should be able to make up their own minds on whether they smoke. Besides, there are known health benefits to smoking in moderation. The devil is in the dose. But even if there weren’t, it’s my life, my choice. Keep governments OUT of people’s PRIVATE lives. What comes next? A ban on drinking alcohol?
We are soon to be in the situation in which two men will be able to kiss in public, but not enjoy a smoke together! How absurd is that? (And I speak as a gay man!)
Furthermore, with WWIII possibly just around the corner, does this mean that our boys will be sent to fight for King and country, but won’t be allowed to enjoy a cigarette for relaxation after battles?
Kick Sunak out of office asap! The man is out of his depth. – © Mark Alexander
UK Government urged to follow New Zealand and scrap tobacco sales ban »
Tobacco sales ban: PM accused of "creeping prohibition" »
