Engelse parlementariërs tegen Europawijd rookverbod
Diverse Engelse parlementsleden hebben zich uitgesproken tegen de plannen van Eurocommissaris Byrne of een Europawijd rookverbod voor de horeca af te kondigen.
“This is a matter best left to national Governments and the European Parliament should throw it out as inappropriate interference.”
MPs fume at smoking ban attempt
MPs today said they would snub any attempt to introduce a smoking ban in pubs, restaurants and workplaces in East Lancashire.
And local Euro MP Chris Davies – a keen smoker – said he hoped a ban on smoking in public put forward by European health commissioner David Byrne would be rejected by the European Parliament.
David Byrne wants to see a smoking ban introduced across the country in line with a similar ban implemented in his native Ireland.
He claims that bar and restaurant staff have a right to be protected from the adverse health effects of passive smoking.
But Mr Davies, said that any such proposal from Brussels would fall at the first hurdle.
The Liberal Democrat, a member of the European Parliament’s Health Committee, claimed it would be a step too far and breach the principle that decisions be taken at the lowest possible level.
He said: “The commissioner is right to flag up his concerns about smoking and health, but quite wrong to suggest that we need EU legislation on the issue.
“This is a matter best left to national Governments and the European Parliament should throw it out as inappropriate interference.”
Burnley MP Peter Pike called for sensible discussion and debate on the matter, but said he would not support an outright ban. “People who work in heavily smoky environments have a right to be protected, but smokers also have rights and what we need is a balanced provision,” he said.
“I would not support a total ban, as it would be unenforceable, but I would certainly like to see more designated smoke-free areas,” he said.
Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who quit his 20 a day habit 18 months ago, also said a ban on smoking in public would be unenforceable.
He said: “I’m not in favour of a complete ban. We all understand the health risks, but we have to treat people as grown-ups.”
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans added: “The European Union must stop poking its nose into the affairs of domestic states.”
