It is now 18 years since a workplace smoking ban was introduced in Scotland in March 2006, and 17 years since it was introduced in the rest of the United Kingdom.
They say time heals yet many smokers remain angry and frustrated by the excessive nature of legislation that prohibited smoking in every pub and club in the country and wrought havoc on the hospitality industry.
Although many smokers have adapted to the ban, others are appalled that successive governments have continued to ‘denormalise’ tobacco and punish consumers for indulging in a perfectly legal (and legitimate) habit. There are various ways you can help us:
Lobby your MP
If politicians don’t hear from their constituents they won’t know what you are thinking. Therefore the best way you can help is by contacting your MP in person or in writing. Tell them about the impact anti-smoking measures, including smoking bans and punitive taxation, have had on you.
MPs get lots of letters so only write to your constituency MP. Letters from constituents will always get priority, and make sure you personalise your letter as much as possible. MPs will generally ignore letters that appear to be part of an organised campaign.
Better still, go and see your local MP. Most MPs hold regular surgeries in their constituency. Find out when they are taking place and ask to see your MP face to face. The more people who contact their MP, the more they will sit up and take notice.
Email
To find out who your MP and send them an email visit: www.writetothem.com
Post
To find out who your MP is visit: www.theyworkforyou.com
Don’t forget that following the General Election in June 2024 your MP may have changed. Address your letter to their constituency office, or via the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Don’t forget to request a reply.
Write to the media
Journalists won’t write about smoking-related topics unless they think it’s a ‘live’ political issue. The major issue currently facing smokers is the plan to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 1st January 2009 (ie all future generations of adults). Although the legislation won’t directly affect current smokers, it will almost certainly lead to further measures designed to make England ‘smoke free’ by 2030 (2034 in Scotland and Wales).
Note: If you write a letter for publication, keep it short and to the point.
Attend our events
One of the best ways you can support Forest is to attend our occasional events in Westminster and at party conference. Check the Events page for details of any forthcoming events.
Other ways to support our work
You can also support for Forest in one or more of the following ways:
- Sign up and register your support
- Become a Friend of Forest on Facebook
- Make a donation (standing order or direct debit)
Note: Forest reserves the right to decline donations should we choose to do so.
