The Government’s move to stub out smoking is an assault on liberty
SIR – Rishi Sunak’s legislation to create a “smoke-free” generation (report, April 17) at least provides one clear indication of how those of us who are culturally and politically small “l” liberals should use our votes at the next election.
We now know that only 59 Conservative MPS do not share the mainstream Left’s agenda of establishing ever greater state control over how we choose to live our own lives.
No support should now be given to any sitting Tory MP who failed to oppose this dictatorial measure. The authentic centre-right in Britain now needs to bring about a historic re-alignment after the election. This will include forces from outside the existing Conservative Party, as well as individuals from within it, such as Kemi Badenoch, who want the British electorate to be able to choose a real alternative to the authoritarian, contemporary Left in the future.
Marc Glendening
Royston, Hertfordshire
SIR – The Tobacco and Vapes Bill demonstrates that the present Government has given up any pretence that it is conservative in anything but name.
Reform UK it is, then.
Eddie Lodge
Plymouth, Devon
SIR – Some MPS opposed the recent smoking legislation since it stopped adults from making a choice as to whether to engage in smoking tobacco, and it was not the Government’s place to prevent them from doing so.
But if they object to people being denied the right to choose to inhale a medically harmful and addictive substance such as nicotine, why is the Government right to ban the smoking of cannabis?
Dr Ian Morgan
Solihull
SIR – As one who would be designated “Right wing”, I have to disagree with those of my persuasion who, in the name of free choice, wish that there should be no limit to vapes and no ban on smoking. The application of the law may be crude in format and will be problematic to police, but nevertheless it’s a right step.
Following the limitations that lung disease has imposed on my activities in older age, despite having given up smoking 50 years ago, I wish some politician had had the wit and determination to restrict and ban tobacco products when I was young.
Peter Williman
Chatteris, Cambridgeshire
SIR – There will always be some sections of the community who are antagonised by any law changes a government proposes to enforce, especially where such proposals have an impact at a personal level.
To those who argue that the new anti-smoking bill is an affront to our personal liberty, I would suggest they consider just a few examples of laws that were similarly considered unduly restrictive: the introduction of the law compelling people to wear motorcycle helmets (1973) and seat belts (1983), or the law against using hand-held phones while driving (2003).
How many people do they think would currently suggest that these laws should be repealed?
Tony Palframan
Disley, Cheshire