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WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
05 March 2020
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about who framework convention on tobacco control in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK has seen a decline in smoking rates, but pregnant women and those on low incomes continue to struggle with quitting. The MP highlights the tobacco industry's attempts to undermine public health policies by offering £1 billion over ten years for relaxed advertising restrictions on heated tobacco products, which goes against WHO’s framework convention obligations. Funding is needed for public education campaigns and local enforcement of age-of-sale regulations to further reduce youth smoking rates. The prevention Green Paper acknowledged the challenge of reaching a smoke-free 2030 target; however, Cancer Research UK projections suggest it will not be achieved until 2037 unless additional measures are taken.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Stockton North
The hon. Gentleman highlights the need for sustainable funding to support smokers who wish to quit, and criticises budget cuts affecting stop-smoking services in his constituency.
Government Response
Government Response
The Minister reaffirms the UK's commitment to the WHO framework convention on tobacco control (FCTC) and its article 5.3 obligations, emphasising no partnership with the tobacco industry is allowed. She acknowledges the work of local communities in tackling smoking habits, especially among pregnant women, highlighting a project at Tameside Hospital as an example. The Minister pledges to continue working towards being smoke-free by 2030 and commits to speaking with HM Treasury about financial levers that could support this aim. However, she does not provide a specific timeline for the publication of the Government’s response to the prevention Green Paper consultation.
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