A Labour health minister is calling for ban on smoking in UK parks and beaches.
Remarkably, and to his credit, our old friend Professor Simon Chapman "says there is no scientific justification for such a draconian attack on basic freedoms":
Here's Forest's response, which we released earlier today (the BMJ press release was embargoed until 11.30pm):
"The ban on smoking in enclosed public places was introduced, allegedly, to protect the health of bar workers.
"There's nothing to suggest that lighting up in the open air is harmful to anyone other than the smoker.
"Campaigners say a ban will discourage children from smoking but there's no evidence that the sight of a stranger smoking encourages children to start.
"The principal reasons are peer pressure and the influence of family members.
"We must be careful we don't create a world only puritans can inhabit.
"Tobacco is a legal product and smokers pay £10 billion a year in tobacco taxation alone.
"If they're not permitted to smoke in any pub or club, smokers must be allowed to light up outside without being harassed or made to feel uncomfortable."
This afternoon I was asked about my availability to appear on BBC Breakfast in the morning. Thankfully I've heard no more. For once I won't be getting up at 3.00am and driving to Salford ...