The public must be protected from these ghastly creatures who smoke, he tells us, they are killing our children, polluting the atmosphere, and what's more, they stink, and cause you, the general public, to stink too, just by being anywhere near them.
The smoking-ban has already caused thousands of pubs, working men's clubs, bingo halls, and restaurants, to close down, as well as being the main cause of thousands of job losses. But, says Mr Lansley, none of this matters, if it helps save just one life.
Campaigners have pointed out to Mr Lansley, as they did his Labour predecessor, that there is a simple answer, which would help to keep all these pubs etc open, and save thousands of jobs, and that would be to allow a simple free choice to the public, of smoking or non-smoking venues, or at the very least, allow separate, well ventilated rooms in these venues, for people who wish to smoke.
Mr Lansley however, is adamant. He has decided not to give an inch on this issue. The very sight of a cigarette packet is enough to give him a heart attack, and again, he tells us, "we must think of the kiddies." All tobacco products must be sold in plain packs, they must be out of sight, even vending machines must be banned (more job losses).
It is the only way, he tells us. But hold on, other people, researchers, scientists, and study groups, beg to differ. "Want to keep your heart and lungs healthy?" they ask, "Simple, don't sit next to the photocopier, don't walk to near to busy traffic, buy some houseplants."
In other words, traffic pollution is revealed as a key cause of heart attacks and lung decease. And what do researchers tell us we should do to avoid such risks? Ban driving in public places? Ban all motor vehicle advertising? Treble the tax on motor vehicles and fuel? Force all car manufacturers to sell their vehicles using just one colour, and without any name attached?
Of course not, that would be rather silly wouldn't it, after all, we are all grown ups aren't we, and as such, should be entitled to make our own decisions, shouldn't we? Not according to Mr Lansley we shouldn't, well at least when it comes to his pet project, i.e. "smoking". There is only one way, he tells us, and that is by the use of force, we, the people are not capable of making our own minds up, we need Nanny Lansley to do it for us.
Personally, I put a lot more faith in the researchers who have carried out completely independent studies into the causes of heart and lung disease. They are not (as far as I know) in the pay of the Government or the pharmaceutical companies, and therefore worth reading and taking notice of. You can see the article here.
I just wish Mr Lansley would free his mind enough to read it and take notice of it.
