London faces a "public health emergency" says the London Health Commission apocalyptically.
Established by Mayor of London Boris Johnson in 2013 and chaired by Lord Darzi, "one of the world's leading surgeons" and a former Labour minister (natch), the LHC has come up with a series of measures to tackle smoking, obesity, exercise, and drinking to make London a "healthier, slimmer, fitter, city".
The most eye-catching proposal is a call for Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square and 20,000 acres of parks in the capital to go "smoke free".
Naturally the idea is backed by Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies who says it will stop "role modelling in front of children".
The recent recipient of an honorary knighthood, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has also chipped in, calling the plan a "major achievement" (eh?), adding that he is "looking forward to visiting London's smoke free parks and squares".
You can download the full news release – including quotes from Davies, Bloomberg and ASH – here.
The notable missing person is of course Boris. So which way will that great libertarian swing?
My guess is Boris will support the plan. After all, this is the man who earlier this year wrote, Banning smoking in cars is bizarre, intrusive – and right (Daily Telegraph).
Truth is, Boris is far from the "libertarian free spirit" he claims to be. One of his first acts as Mayor was to ban alcohol on the Underground, a completely unnecessary restriction given that laws governing anti-social behaviour already existed.
On smoking bans and other issues he flip flops all the time.
Sadly even self-styled maverick politicians like Boris are addicted to regulations. They can't help themselves.
Ironically, banning smoking in parks and squares reminds me of Ken Livingstone's failed attempt to force London's pubs and clubs to go "smoke free" years before MPs voted to ban smoking in all enclosed public places.
Forest helped defeat that proposal (see our submission to the Greater London Authority investigation which ASH has helpfully kept on file) and I hope we can do the same again.
Meanwhile here's Forest's response to the LHC's call to action:
The smokers' group Forest has slammed calls for Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square and 20,000 acres of parks in the capital to go smoke free.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sally Davies, has backed the proposal, by the Mayor's London Health Commission, saying it will stop “role modelling in front of children”
Simon Clark, director of Forest, said: "A ban on smoking in parks and squares would be outrageous. There's no health risk to anyone other than the smoker. If you don't like the smell, walk away.
"Tobacco is a legal product. If the Chief Medical Officer doesn't like people smoking in front of children she should lobby the government to introduce designated smoking rooms in pubs and clubs so adults can smoke inside in comfort.
"The next thing you know we'll be banned from smoking in our own gardens in case a whiff of smoke travels over the fence."
He added: "If Boris Johnson supports this move it will blow to smithereens his easy-going image.
"It will demonstrate he's just like every other politician climbing the greasy pole, happy to micro manage our lives and trample on ordinary people."
PS. The London Health Commission news release was embargoed until 00:01hrs this morning. I did my duty and delayed publishing in order not to break it.
Update (00:24): The BBC News website has the story here (Trafalgar and Parliament squares smoking ban call). There's no opposing comment from Forest (or anyone else) despite the fact we sent them our response this afternoon. I've just spoken to the UK news desk to make that point. Let's see what happens.
Update (00:30): The Daily Mail has the story here – Ban smoking in public parks: England's most senior doctor warns lighting up in public places encourages children to take up the habit. It includes a comment from Forest.
Update (00:46): The BBC News website has updated its report to include a quote from me. Better late than never.
Update (00:56): The Mirror also has a report, with a quote from Forest (Ban smoking in all London parks says Chief Medical Officer):
Simon Clark of smokers' group Forest blasted the proposals as "farcical".
He said: "There's no health risk to anyone other than the smoker. If you don't like the smell, walk away.
"The next thing will be a ban on smoking in our own gardens in case a whiff of smoke travels over the fence."
And now, to bed ...
Simon Clark