Ban all tobacco products if you want to really stop people smoking
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 14:12
Simon Clark

One of the world's oldest debating societies has invited me to take part in a debate, 'This House would ban all tobacco products', on Friday night.

Founded in 1842 at Durham University, the Durham Union Society hosts a weekly debate on topical issues.

I'm writing my 15 minute speech (opposing the motion!) today so if you want to contribute anything post a comment here and I'll try to incorporate it.

Meanwhile the IEA has chosen an interesting (and provocative) title for a debate in Dublin next week - 'How to really stop people smoking'.

I hope I'm wrong but it suggests a consensus in which the entire panel supports the idea that people should quit. The only issue, it would seem, is how to achieve that goal.

Speakers include Prof John Crown, one of Ireland's leading anti-smoking activists who supports plain packaging and wants to ban smoking in cars with children, and Chris Snowdon who I assume will talk about the need to encourage and not over-regulate free market alternatives such as e-cigarettes.

Hopefully someone will also speak up for those who enjoy smoking and don't want to quit because I fear their voice is slowly being drowned out as more and more people jump on the anti-smoking/e-cigarette bandwagons.

I'll let you know the outcome of both debates in due course.

Update: The IEA tells me the Dublin debate will be filmed and posted online. Watch this space.

Update: Good article by Brian Monteith over on The Free Society - If we must denormalise anyone, choose the politicians, not the smokers.

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