Labour 'double standards' as smoking ban is lifted for G20 world leaders

Antaletriangle · 03-13-2009, 01:30 AM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...d-leaders.html

By Ryan Kisiel and Claire Ellicott
Last updated at 10:45 AM on 12th March 2009

Labour has been accused of double standards for amending legislation to allow world leaders to use smoking rooms during the G20 economic conference.

Dozens of heads of state, politicians and diplomats will be meeting at the Excel Exhibition Centre in Docklands, London, next month.

It is believed that laws have been changed to get around the smoking ban and provide specialist rooms that the visiting dignitaries can use.

Smoking in all enclosed public spaces and places of work was banned under the Health Act 2006, and came into force in England in 2007.

It is not clear which Government department has amended the law for the venue or whether is only a temporary measure.

But the Foreign and Common Office, who is hosting the event, said it was aware of the smoking rooms and has launched an investigation.
Up in smoke: G20 economic leaders pose for the camera
Local authority Newham Council is also looking into the matter as environmental health officers in charge were not aware of the amendment.

Critics say the Government is flouting the ban and should apply the same concession to struggling businesses.

Smoking campaign group Freedom2choose chairman Andy Davis said: 'This clearly demonstrates that there are alternative solutions to the current smoking ban that our government is ignoring.

'Smoking rooms would provide welcome relief for our hospitality industry with the ban being acknowledged as one of the major factors in its current downturn.

'Our government is accommodating the political leaders from across the globe, yet they are not prepared to accommodate millions of their own citizens.

'This concession should now be made available to all private businesses and clubs for them to adopt if they so desire.'

Conservative MP Anne Widdecombe said: 'It's one law for one, and one for another, and I think that sums up this Government.'

The G20 summit, which starts on April 2, is being held under the motto 'stability, growth, jobs'.

It is due to bring together leaders of the world's advanced and emerging economies along with representatives of international financial institutions with the aim of restoring stability and stimulating global economic growth.

On Monday, it was revealed that consultants will be paid more than £6 million to help the Government host the event.

Junior Foreign Office minister Gillian Merron gave details of four contracts worth an expected £6,204,065 with external consultancy firms hired to "advise" on the G20.

She said Feltech/MRG, an event production company, had been hired to help stage the summit at a cost of £5,941,597 excluding VAT.

The development of the summit logo and the creation of the original globe image to overcome copyright issues cost £6,000.

scanner · 03-13-2009, 11:30 PM

one law for the rich one for the poor or we can chain it to suit of course

Antaletriangle · 03-13-2009, 11:55 PM

Wait and see what Hamish Howett says about this-his pub was closed in Blackpool because of the smoking ban.

03-13-2009, 01:30 AM	#1
Antaletriangle Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: U.K. Posts: 3,380	Labour 'double standards' as smoking ban is lifted for G20 world leaders http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...d-leaders.html By Ryan Kisiel and Claire Ellicott Last updated at 10:45 AM on 12th March 2009 Labour has been accused of double standards for amending legislation to allow world leaders to use smoking rooms during the G20 economic conference. Dozens of heads of state, politicians and diplomats will be meeting at the Excel Exhibition Centre in Docklands, London, next month. It is believed that laws have been changed to get around the smoking ban and provide specialist rooms that the visiting dignitaries can use. Smoking in all enclosed public spaces and places of work was banned under the Health Act 2006, and came into force in England in 2007. It is not clear which Government department has amended the law for the venue or whether is only a temporary measure. But the Foreign and Common Office, who is hosting the event, said it was aware of the smoking rooms and has launched an investigation. Up in smoke: G20 economic leaders pose for the camera Local authority Newham Council is also looking into the matter as environmental health officers in charge were not aware of the amendment. Critics say the Government is flouting the ban and should apply the same concession to struggling businesses. Smoking campaign group Freedom2choose chairman Andy Davis said: 'This clearly demonstrates that there are alternative solutions to the current smoking ban that our government is ignoring. 'Smoking rooms would provide welcome relief for our hospitality industry with the ban being acknowledged as one of the major factors in its current downturn. 'Our government is accommodating the political leaders from across the globe, yet they are not prepared to accommodate millions of their own citizens. 'This concession should now be made available to all private businesses and clubs for them to adopt if they so desire.' Conservative MP Anne Widdecombe said: 'It's one law for one, and one for another, and I think that sums up this Government.' The G20 summit, which starts on April 2, is being held under the motto 'stability, growth, jobs'. It is due to bring together leaders of the world's advanced and emerging economies along with representatives of international financial institutions with the aim of restoring stability and stimulating global economic growth. On Monday, it was revealed that consultants will be paid more than £6 million to help the Government host the event. Junior Foreign Office minister Gillian Merron gave details of four contracts worth an expected £6,204,065 with external consultancy firms hired to "advise" on the G20. She said Feltech/MRG, an event production company, had been hired to help stage the summit at a cost of £5,941,597 excluding VAT. The development of the summit logo and the creation of the original globe image to overcome copyright issues cost £6,000.

03-13-2009, 11:30 PM	#2
scanner Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sea level England ,I must move Posts: 195	Re: Labour 'double standards' as smoking ban is lifted for G20 world leaders one law for the rich one for the poor or we can chain it to suit of course

03-13-2009, 11:55 PM	#3
Antaletriangle Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: U.K. Posts: 3,380	Re: Labour 'double standards' as smoking ban is lifted for G20 world leaders Wait and see what Hamish Howett says about this-his pub was closed in Blackpool because of the smoking ban.