Does your MP have the courage and conviction to vote against plain packs?
Monday, March 9, 2015 at 10:42 The battle to stop plain packaging of tobacco isn't over.
Today the Designated Legislation Committee meets to consider the issue. The Committee is dominated by MPs who support standardised packs so we expect the legislation will proceed to a vote in the House of Commons tomorrow or Wednesday (No Smoking Day).
That's no reason to throw in the towel, however. Today we're writing to MPs, especially those who have previously expressed opposition to the measure, to encourage them to vote against when the time comes.
Politicians have a horrible habit of melting away if they think they're going to be on the end of a drubbing so for those who stick to their guns and vote against it will be a sign of courage and conviction.
So, if you haven't done so, please write to your MP today. As I mentioned yesterday you can send a template letter via our Last Chance Saloon website. Alternatively, send a personal email. (Check your MP's website for their contact details.)
Meanwhile, as well as writing to MPs we're messaging them via this ad on Guido Fawkes and ConservativeHome. It links to our Plain Speaking on Plain Packaging video and complements the ad that Cancer Research is running.
Reader Comments (3)
We can be pretty sure which way Luciana Berger will vote. With respect to your positive comments yesterday, here she is indulging in Crosbyesque politics in The Daily Mirror
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tory-minister-priti-patel-who-3871118
I find this type of thing vile, depressing and insulting to the intelligence.
Berger's output in public debate has been equally depressing and barely more intellectually adequate than that of her predecessor who plumbed new depths of ignorance and incapacity during her tenure.
Not being terribly bright or well informed seems to be almost a requirement for MPs these days so I think it fair to predict that a majority will fail to grasp the importance of not passing increasingly ridiculous legislation on behalf of minorities for fear of diminishing the value of the law.There are quite a few other negatives that I suspect will also fail to be even considered later this week.
Still "if it saves one life..bold and courageous...for the children..etc."
IF MPs vote for this, it will open the floodgates because it will indicate that they can be emotionally blackmailed into supporting the absurd.
Why you are so supportive of Berger beats me. The woman is an enemy who would criminalise us, abuse us and take away everything including our own homes and out children if she gets enough power and time to do it. And she will if the fascists win the election.
Please do not support such bigots just because they hold positions of power. People like her should be exposed, named and shamed.
You do us consumers no favours by sucking up to that sort. You should be on our side and fighting our corner against her and therefore fighting her.
Sorry, but arse licking won't help.
Well....our glorious MPs will vote for this to protect the children of course.Which incidently is none of their reponsibility.This health freakrey is now totally out of control.Yes booze next then food.What the hell can be done about the Zeros in parliment.You vote one lot out the next ones just as bad.
Fuming ex Tory