Politicians, what are they like?
That's weird.
I've just received a letter from my MP. It was written in response to the letter I sent him, asking him to vote against plain packaging.
It reads:
Thank you for contacting me about standardised packaging for cigarettes.
As you know, the final agreement by members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords delivers on the Government's commitment to introduce standardised packaging regulations before the end of this parliament.
I realise that you have strong feelings about this issue. However, I think this is an important measure, and the evidence from Australia – where similar measures have already been put in place – has shown that this will reduce levels of smoking and save lives.
Smoking remains one of our most significant public health challenges. It is a major cause of cancer, heart and respiratory disease and almost 80,000 people in England alone die every year from ill health caused by smoking. It places an enormous strain on the NHS.
That is why I believe that the policy is a proportionate and justified response to the considerable public health harm from smoking tobacco.
Thank you again for contacting me on this issue.
The weird thing is this: on March 11 the MP concerned voted against plain packaging!!
And that's not all. A few days before the vote I emailed another MP:
I know you have previously voted in favour of plain packaging but ahead of a possible vote on the issue this week I attach some information that may be of interest to you.
This was his reply:
I must say that I cannot remember why [I voted in favour of plain packaging]. At present I'm minded to vote against it, on the grounds that it makes counterfeiting easier. Isn't that the best argument against it?
I'm pleased to say the MP concerned did vote against plain packaging on March 11 but it's odd he "can't remember why" he previously voted in favour.
Meanwhile my own MP votes against but, two weeks later, says the measure is a "proportionate and justified response to the considerable public health harm from smoking tobacco".
Politicians, what are they like?