Tobacco marketing ban backed

MOST SCOTS remain unaware of the huge death toll caused by smoking — but they back a ban on tobacco marketing anyway.

Figures released today by Cancer Research UK show only around a fifth of 393 adults surveyed in Scotland knew that there are 100,000 deaths as a result of smoking every year in the UK.

The figures add further weight to Cancer Research UK’s ongoing campaign to remove all attractive and stylish designs from tobacco. Glossy packaging adds to the allure of cigarettes whereas standardised packaging would remove this and increase the impact of picture warnings.

Smoking causes more than eight out of 10 cases of lung cancer and starting smoking at a young age greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. At least 13 other types of cancer are also linked to tobacco, including oesophageal, mouth, bladder, bowel, pancreatic and kidney.

The findings also show there is strong public support to protect children from tobacco marketing and remove the clever design gimmicks from tobacco packaging, putting all tobacco in plain, standardised packaging. Only 12% oppose the measure across the UK.

Across the UK, three quarters agree that children should not be exposed to any tobacco marketing.

The results are published as standardised packaging takes the next step in becoming law, with the House of Commons now considering the move. A week earlier the House of Lords backed the measure, more than 18 months after the Government first began consulting on the issue.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament unanimously approved a motion that will allow the powers created in the Children and Families Bill to be applied in Scotland. Under the agreement, Holyrood would still be able to press ahead unilaterally with standard packaging regulations even if Westminster decides not to proceed.

Cancer Research UK’s head of tobacco policy, Alison Cox, said: “With the House of Commons now looking over the Bill today, it’s important to remember why reducing smoking rates is so important.

“That smoking can kill and cause so much illness has been known for decadesbutit’sclearthatmostpeopleremain unaware of just how many people die because of tobacco. What’s heartening to see is the level of support to protect children from tobacco marketing and reduce the appeal of smoking.

“Standardised packaging will give millions of children one less reason to start smoking, and we urge the Government to make this a reality as soon as possible.”