Wednesday 15:53
REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH APPLAUDS SMOKING DECISION
Dr Mike Gill, Regional Director of Public Health, has today voiced his support for the South East England Regional Assembly's decision to back a resolution on banning smoking at its annual meeting. The resolution will call on local authorities in the region to hasten preparations for smoke-free status and will also urge central Government to support movements towards smoke free public places.
Dr Mike Gill, said:
"This a big leap in the right direction. Smoking kills 16,000 people in the South East every year. It may seem like banning smoking will take away people's liberty, but we have to consider the views of the two thirds of people in this region who want to see a ban in public places and don't want to breathe other people's smoke."
Note to editors
1. A copy of the SEERA press release, giving more details on the resolution, is available from the SEERA press office on 01483 555221.
2. A survey conducted around the South East for the 'Choosing Health?' consultation sowed a two-thirds majority in favour of a ban on smoking in public places. It is available from the contact below.
Issued on behalf of the DoH by the Government News Network South East
