Yet we recognise that people have a choice. We would like them to stop smoking, and to choose life. The detailed proposals set out in this White Paper, the first-ever in this country on smoking, will help them to make that choice. I reject completely that this is the so-called nanny state in action. It is instead the Government meeting what are clearly its responsibilities.
Smokers have rights.
So do non-smokers. Both have responsibilities - to themselves, to each other, to their families, and to the wider community. The Government too has responsibilities. Meeting them is what we were elected to do, and what we are determined to do. This White Paper on tobacco is a key part of keeping that promise.