Politicians press for full smoking ban in England

LONDON - A group of British politicians today said they were tabling an amendment to the government's plans for a smoking ban in England which they hope will result in a blanket ban in pubs and clubs.

The politicians also called for a free vote on the issue when the bill comes back to parliament in the next two or three weeks, a move the government has signalled may be possible.

Many politicians say if they are allowed a free vote, a total ban will be passed.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's government has proposed a smoking ban which would exempt English pubs which do not serve food and private clubs.

But many politicians in Blair's Labour party, including some Cabinet members, want a total ban. They cite surveys which show most Britons support action making all pubs and bars smoke-free.

Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland have either fully banned smoking in public places or announced plans to do so.

The chairman of the cross-party Health Committee and nine other members said in a statement they would table an amendment to remove the exemptions.

"If carried, our amendment will greatly strengthen that part of the bill which aims to protect the public from the dangers of second hand smoke," said Kevin Barron, chairman of the committee and a Labour Member of Parliament.

"Since 1997 this government has come a long way towards controlling the harmful effects of tobacco use and this is another milestone towards the improvement of public health," he said.

The move follows a report from the Health Committee last December which branded the government's plans for a partial ban as "unfair, unjust, inefficient and unworkable". Barron also called on the government to allow a free vote on the ban.

"The government is considering giving Labour members of parliament a free vote on this amendment. I hope they do," he said.

Blair, who has seen his authority wane since announcing he would stand down before an election due by mid 2010, risks a revolt and defeat on this highly emotive issue if he does not grant his party a free vote.

Since last May's election more than halved Blair's majority in parliament, fewer than 40 Labour politicians can defeat him by siding with opposition parties. He suffered his first ever parliamentary defeat last year on anti-terrorism laws.

- REUTERS