Katy Clark MP met with Dalry campaigner Suzanne Fernando, at Westminster recently to discuss the charity’s The answer is plain campaign, which calls for all branding to be removed from tobacco packaging.
Suzanne
Fernando, 40, is an ambassador for Cancer Research UK and was keen to
share research which shows that striking logos and distinctive packet
designs make cigarettes more appealing to children.
Katy Clark MP said: “It was a pleasure to meet Suzanne again and
listen to what she had to say about the marketing of tobacco. Suzanne
has been a very powerful advocate for cervical cancer jabs and is now
taking on the smoking issue. Health has to be the priority and we
need to do whatever we can to cut down on tobacco use. There is a very
strong case for plain packaging to help make smoking less glamorous to
young people.”
Cancer
Research UK’s call to protect children from tobacco marketing comes as
the government consults on whether all tobacco should be sold in packs
of uniform size, shape and design, otherwise known as ‘plain packs.’
Public
Relations Consultant and Childminder, Suzanne said: “We must protect
our children from the dangers of tobacco. I don’t want children being
subjected to clever marketing techniques from an industry that has to
recruit 100,000 new smokers each year to replace those who die from
smoking.
“As
a cervical cancer survivor, my cancer wasn't smoking related, but I
want to do everything I can to protect young people from the
frightening experience I have been through. The answer is plain
campaign is arguing that we need plain packaging and I urge my fellow
constituents in North Ayrshire and Arran to show their support by
signing the campaign petition.
“So
many people’s lives are touched by cancer. We can all do our bit to help
stop children from taking up this deadly addiction.”
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer and is responsible for one in four deaths from the disease in the UK.
Sarah
Woolnough, Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK said: “Around
157,000 11-15 year olds start smoking every year so we must do more to
make cigarettes less appealing to children.
“Girls
are attracted to brands which have long, slim cigarettes with
sophisticated names and glamorous packaging, while boys tend to respond
to designs with a rugged, macho image. In an age when any parent tries
to teach their children about the dangers of this deadly addiction,
cigarette packs are sending a very different message.
“Over
80% of adults in the UK believe that children shouldn’t be exposed to
tobacco marketing* so we’re urging MPs and their constituents to help
us end the packet racket and give millions of children one less reason
to start smoking.”
Over 78,000 signatures were submitted.