Reid Says 'Let Them Smoke Fags'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 9th Jun 2004

Health Secretary, John Reid's comments that smoking is one of the few pleasures left for the poor was slammed by the Liberal Democrats today for being "patronising, damaging and based on weak assumptions".

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

"John Reid's message to those in deprived areas is not 'let them eat cake' but 'let them smoke fags.'

"This is yet more evidence that the Health Secretary has no clue when it comes to public health. His statement is patronising, damaging and based on weak assumptions.

"The Health Secretary must stop making these shallow comments and come out in favour of a smoking ban in public places. Such a ban would deliver substantial health benefits and protect staff and customers from the effects of second-hand smoke, and would help many more kick the habit."