Smoking row divides MPs

7:40am Friday 8th June 2007

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BOLTON MPs have blasted fellow politicians who say they plan to continue to smoke in the House of Commons after the ban is introduced on July 1.

David Crausby and Brian Iddon are demanding their fellow MPs set an example for the rest of the country by banning smoking in Whitehall.

Authorities decided to extend the ban to the House of Commons - which has traditionally been exempt from many laws because of its status as a palace - to avoid charges of hypocrisy.

But several defiant MPs have vowed to continue to smoke in the offices, cafes and bars.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, said: "It's absolutely ridiculous for MPs to take this line. If a law is good enough for the public then it's good enough for politicians.

"There are no excuses for this kind of behaviour. The same rules apply to everyone and members of staff in the House of Commons have the same rights as those anywhere else to be protected from cigarette smoke."

MP for Bolton South-east Dr Brian Iddon added: "They should be leaders in this and I have said so to those smokers who are still smoking inside. They should be setting a model for their constituents."

There are just 23 days until smoking is outlawed in all enclosed public places in England, including pubs, clubs and private members bars.

In Bolton 29.6 per cent of people smoke, and in some areas, such as the Hall i'th' Wood estate, that figure can be as high as 65 per cent - the national average is 27 per cent.

The Bolton News launched its Stub It Out campaign when these figures were revealed, calling for smoking to be banned in all enclosed public places.

Last February MPs voted with a massive majority for such a ban.

It will be introduced at 6am on July 1 and anyone caught flouting it will face a £50 fine.