Commenting on today’s publication of the Tobacco Control Plan, Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham said:
“It has taken eighteen months longer for the Government to publish the Tobacco Control Plan than originally scheduled, but I am happy that it appears to be robust and has realistic aims that we can all identify with.
“But a plan isn’t good enough if it doesn’t have the resources to go along with it to enable implementation. Cuts across our health service and public health services are still happening. NHS workers are still demoralised and under-recognised for their work yet we expect them to lead on many of the recommendations, and I have limited faith in the Government prioritising this important document.
“Today I was invited to make an address at a British Lung Foundation reception in Parliament, where I expressed that despite my concerns, the Government has my full support in implementing and initiating the aims set out in the plan, and I look forward to seeing smoking rates dropping, smoking-related deaths down, and more children being born into smoke-free families. I will work with the Government however I can to achieve this.”
