Smoke Free England 2 days to go


12 June 2007

With two days to go before Doncaster and the whole of England goes smoke free, Don Valley MP and Public Health Minister, Caroline Flint said:
"A smokefree England will see the single biggest improvement in public health for a generation. The scientific and medical evidence is clear - secondhand smoke is a killer. There is no safe level of exposure. This legislation means that thousands of lives will be saved and the health of everybody will be protected.

"This new law will protect people from the harm of secondhand smoke whether they are working, socialising or relaxing. Three quarters of people in England already choose not to smoke and almost three quarters of those who do smoke, say they want to give up. A smokefree England will help provide a supportive environment for those who want to quit.

"We have worked hard over the last seven months to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it affects them and what they need to do. Support has been provided to businesses and individuals by the Department of Health and local councils and we are confident that England is ready to go smokefree on 1 July.

"I would like to thank everyone, from health and business groups to the leisure and hospitality industry, for their involvement and support in the Smokefree England campaign and for helping to make a smokefree England a reality."

This week has seen the culmination of a wide range of awareness raising activities organised by Smokefree England alongside local alliances, councils, primary care trusts and other groups.