Sunday
Aug072022
Forest, pro-smoking … seriously?!
Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 11:53 The weekly Institute of Economic Affairs’ newsletter features a nice tribute to Russell Lewis who has died, aged 95.
As I wrote last week Russell was briefly acting general director of the IEA in 1992.
In a long career he was also a founder member and chairman (1958-59) of the Bow Group, director of the Conservative Political Centre and a member of The Freedom Association Council.
Curiously however the IEA tribute adds:
Less seriously, Russell was the author of two joke books, and a non-executive director of Forest, the pro-smoking group chaired by Ralph Harris.
‘Less seriously’, ‘pro-smoking’ …
With friends like that who needs enemies?!!
Reader Comments (1)
Good grief. How hard is to understand that Forest is pro-smoker and pro-choice but never pro smoking.
In all the years I have been a supporter of the organisation, I have never yet heard anyone from Forest promote smoking to anyone but have heard the organisation defend smokers from abuse, discrimination, and punitive legislation, while promoting the idea that people who smoke should be allowed to choose to smoke, quit or vape if they wish and not be coerced into doing what isn't their choice.