Majority of MPs back complete smoking ban in workplace

More than two-thirds of MPs want a complete ban on lighting up in all workplaces, according to research out this week.

Of 153 MPs questioned, 69% would back a law to make all workplaces smoke-free, including pubs that don't serve prepared food and private membership clubs. 77% agreed that a widespread smoke-free law would make it more pleasant to visit public places.

The research was commissioned for Cancer Research UK and lobby group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).

Deborah Arnott, director for Ash said: "It is clear from this survey that most MPs, along with most members of the public, now want a comprehensive smoke-free law. This overdue reform will protect the health of workers and members of the public in currently smoke-filled workplaces."

Key findings:

• 69% of MPs would support a smoke-free law covering all workplaces, without the exemptions currently proposed by the Government. Support for such a law has risen since the last Parliament, from 51%.
• 77% agree that a widespread smoke-free law would make it more pleasant to visit public places.
• 75% believe that smoking in workplaces ought to be prohibited to prevent people from doing things that might harm others.
• 91% agree that the Government has a responsibility to try to make people's lives healthier by actively discouraging smoking.

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