The case for action on smoking is clear. Governments have tried in the past to reduce smoking. But while previous efforts have contributed to the steady reduction in the overall number of adults who smoke, success has been limited. Now, the rise in children smoking and the halt in the decline in adult smoking reinforces the case for new Government action. But at the same time, we recognise that Government action in areas of personal choice like smoking is a difficult and a sensitive issue.
Tobacco is a uniquely dangerous product.
If introduced today, it would not stand the remotest chance of being legal. But smoking is not against the law. We do not intend to make smoking unlawful. We are not banning smoking. Currently, well over a quarter of the people of Britain smoke.