Forest has criticised an MP who called for new rules on smoking if the government decides to relax the lockdown on pubs, cafes and restaurants with outside seating.

The imminent ban on menthol cigarettes has come at the worst possible time for smokers, says Forest

'The country is facing a genuine public health emergency. Let’s focus on that, not nannying folk to give up a legal habit many people enjoy.'

"Further increases in tobacco duty discriminate against those who are less well off," says Forest

Treasury must reject calls to reintroduce the tobacco tax escalator and close the gap in tax between hand-rolled tobacco and factory-made cigarettes says Forest.

Forest says campaigners must provide evidence that smoking outside is a threat to children's health before banning smoking in play parks and outdoor sports facilities.

Calls by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh to ban smoking and vaping on hospital grounds are "stupid" and "unacceptable" says Forest.

Raising excise duty on a pack of 20 cigarettes by a further 50 cents, with a pro-rata increase on other tobacco products, is a "massive own goal" says Forest Ireland.

Forest has criticised new data that allegedly shows smoking in England cost £12.5 billion in 2018.