Do something positive to support our work

It is now 16 years since a workplace smoking ban was introduced in Scotland in March 2006, and 15 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 habit.

Lobby your MP

If politicians don't hear from their constituents they won't know what you are thinking. So the best way you can help is by lobbying 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 that 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 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

Letters should be sent to your MP at 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. Current live issues include raising the age of sale of tobacco to 21 and the imposition of a 'tobacco levy' on the tobacco companies (an additional cost that will almost certainly be passed on to the consumer).

Note: keep letters for publication short and to the point.

Support our work

You can express support for Forest in the following ways:

• Sign up and register your support
• Become a Friend of Forest on Facebook
• Attend our events
• Make a donation

Note: Forest reserves the right to decline donations should we choose to do so.

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Our Supporters

"Tobacco is not an illegal substance yet the government is persecuting a minority. I think that's a disgrace in a social democracy."

Sir Ronald Harwood,
Playwright and screenwriter