Should smoking be banned in the UK?

The number of smokers in Britain has fallen by 1.9 million since the smoking ban was introduced in England a decade ago, according to Cancer Research UK. read more

Smoking should be completely banned in the UK, according to a top medical journal. The Lancet said tens of thousands of lives would be saved by making tobacco an illegal substance and possession of cigarettes a crime. read more

If smoking is banned in public places it safeguards the life of the smoker as well as that of the public. Studies have shown that second hand smoke kills. Second hand smoke causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections and asthma attacks in children. read more

Extending anti-smoking legislation in the UK to encompass a ban in parks and squares "is an opportunity to celebrate the great beacon of healthy living, clean air, and physical activity our green spaces are designed for," researchers write. read more

As for the reasons why smoking should be banned, these hit closer to home since they happen on a more personal level. The first is its effect on appearance. Smoking causes premature aging and wrinkles on the face and hands. read more

In the United Kingdom, smoking was banned in public places in 2007. It has recently been banned in cars with children. It is, however, still permitted to smoke in the street and other outdoor places. read more