NEWS.
14 February 2006

Parliament has voted for a TOTAL BAN on smoking in enclosed public spaces, with NO EXCEPTIONS! This one piece of legislation has done more for the public health of English people than all the other legislation enacted since Labour came to power in 1997 - and long before then.

BBC News | The Guardian | How each MP voted

17 October 2005

British American Tobacco (BAT) is operating a factory in one of the most oppressive states in the world, North Korea, it has been revealed. The Guardian.

Yes, that's the same BAT whose employees include Conservative MP Ken Clarke.

Northern Ireland to ban smoking in work places, including pubs and clubs. The Guardian.

Someone sent me this link :o)

10 October 2005

The British Government has announced it is considering toughening up its previously weak and ill-conceived plans for a partial smoking ban.

Instead, it is proposed that smoking will be banned in all confined, public spaces, excluding specifically sectioned rooms. BBC News.

28 September 2005

Pop-artist David Hockney, the inspiration for this website, and poster boy for pro-smoking lobby group "Forest", has marched on the Labour Party's annual conference.

Apparently those who propose a ban on smoking are "dreary" and "bossy". We are not, however, responsible for the deaths of 11,000 NON-smokers in the UK, every year - they're the price for smokers' choice.

6 September 2005

Smokers are twice as likely to suffer blindness in old age compared to non-smokers, BBC News reports.

1 June 2005

Sweden bans smoking in pubs and restaurants, reports the BBC.

27 April 2005

Opponents of a smoking ban are "peddling myths" to prevent its introduction, doctors say. BBC News.

3 March 2005

See my new STATISTICS page.

"Passive smoking kills more than 11,000 a year in the UK". This is a startling and, quite frankly, shocking figure, as reported by the BBC.

26 December 2004
"Anti smoking ads to shock parents", the BBC reports. The slant appears to be 'You'll die prematurely and leave your kids without their mummy and/or daddy". The ads are described as "hard-hitting".

How about a campaign showing the kids choking on their parents' second hand smoke?

From the article:

Simon Clark, director of the smokers' lobby group FOREST, said: "This campaign should carry a government health warning because smokers and their families are in serious danger of being scared to death.

Does Simon feel the same way about drink-driving campaigns too?

"Everyone knows there are risks associated with smoking" - although not everyone has the freedom to chose NOT to take that risk - "but these advertisements stigmatise all smokers irrespective of whether they are long-term heavy smokers or moderate smokers who keep fit and enjoy a healthy diet."

What's wrong with stigmatising those who place the health of innocent bystanders at risk?

25 December 2004
Another letter expressing disappointment in my attitude:

"Hi, i have recently viewed your page on smoking, and i am disgusted in the way you confront the smokers and put them down. If they are trying to stop, you have now put a burden on their backs because they feel like they have to quit for your benefit. I am against smoking but i don't put people down like you. Next time please think about what your saying. Yours sincerely Miss Mia Holt."

I have thought about what I have said. Quitting smoking for the benefit of those around you is, perhaps, the best reason of all. If another person's poisonous habit didn't cause me any harm, then why would I object to it?

Merry Christmas, everyone!

16 November 2004
In response to today's news, a friend wrote this.

16 November 2004
Smoking ban proposed for England. BBC News. But it's not an outright ban and wont come in to effect for a few years. Meanwhile, in Bhutan, the government has banned smoking and made the purchase and sale of cigarettes an offence, and the importation of cigarettes a smuggling offence. BBC News.

16 November 2004
A letter I received today has suggested that the language and "personal abuse" expressed on this site might serve to undermine its credibility.

My reply was as follows:

"Others have said the same and have had a valid point.

"However my opinion is that, in a rational analysis of the facts, the arguments are as valid with or without the swearing.

"The site was written in a very short space of time and the site captures my mood, at that time. If I change the way it was written, the passion with which I expressed myself at that moment, would be lost.

"This is an issue which I feel strongly about and I am willing to accept the fact that some people wont look passed my anger to the points I make - even if they wont see my point of view, I will still have gotten the smoke off of my chest."

14 November 2004
A couple of cheeky spammers have been trolling the forum. From today onwards, all most register as members prior to posting.

7 November 2004
Scottish publicans will fight smoking ban, warns purveyor of alcohol. BBC News.

20 October 2004
Liverpool votes to ban smoking in public. BBC News. "Liverpool has become the first city in the UK to ban smoking in public places following a decision by councilors". Follow up - "Liverpool smoke ban bid welcomed".

18 October 2004
Passive smoking threat underlined. BBC News. "Demands for government action have to be balanced against the rights and responsibilities of individuals" - for we must not impede on a smoker's right to poison those breathing the same air.

30 August 2004
Google have suspended my adwords account for this site:

"Thank you for advertising with Google AdWords. After reviewing your account, I have found that one or more of your ads or keywords does not meet our guidelines. The results are outlined in the report below.

Action taken: Suspended - Pending Revision
Issue(s): Unacceptable Content

Unacceptable Content: At this time, Google policy does not permit ad text that advocates against an individual, group, or organization. In addition, this policy does not permit the advertisement of websites that advocate against a group protected by law. As noted in our advertising terms and conditions, we reserve the right to exercise editorial discretion when it comes to the advertising we accept on our site. Please note that both your ad and keywords have been suspended at this time."

25 August 2004
I'm trying out Google Adwords to drum up some interest in the site. The first forum member, "yousuckass" has signed up. I'd rather suck ass than cigarette smoke.

28 July 2004
Smoking ban could save £billions (not to mention many lives). BBC News.

30 June 2004
Speculation of a UK ban on smoking in public places grows. BBC News.

29 June 2004
Passive smoking risk worse than thought. MSNBC.

9 June 2004
John Reid has declared smoking to be one of the few working class pleasures. John Reid is the British Health Secretary for the Labour Party. BBC News and BBC News.

2 June 2004
After reading of and listening to artist David Hockney trot out a load of old bollocky excuses in defence of his foul smoking habit, I built this site.