A big step toward a healthier population will be achieved on 1 July 2007, when England goes smokefree for the first time thanks to Labour, says Labour's health team.

Nearly 80 per cent of the population supports the new law and the 70 per cent of smokers who wish to quit smoking also welcome its arrival.

The damaging effects of smoking have been a problem in Britain and around the globe for too long now. Those who smoke are not alone in experiencing health problems, secondhand smoke also causes problems for thousands of people every year. From the 1 July the air we breathe in enclosed public places will be cleaner and safer to breathe, not contaminated by the over 4,000 toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

It is not simply the health of the British people that will be improved when England goes smokefree. We all will enjoy a cleaner country, with our enclosed public spaces smelling and looking as they were intended.

A healthier workforce that is smoking less will be more productive and contribute to our strong economy. Many smokers have targeted July 1 as their personal date to give up smoking.

Thanks to Labour, the right to breathe clean air has been reinforced and the entire population will benefit.


Sources
(YouGov 14/15 June 2007)

Almost all enclosed public areas will become smoke-free, including offices, factories, pubs, restaurants, membership clubs, public transportation, and shopping centres.

Need to know information about going smokefree

For information about Smokefree England and how it might affect you as a business owner, community representative or just an individual: www.smokefreeengland.com http://www.dh.gov.uk

For information on how to give up

• Local NHS Stop Smoking Services - to find your local service, call the NHS Smoking Helpline free on 0800 169 0 169, visit gosmokefree.co.uk, text 'GIVEUP' and your full postcode to 88088 or ask at your local GP practice, pharmacy or hospital.
• NHS Smoking Helpline - individuals can speak to a specialist adviser by calling 0800 169 0 169 (lines are open daily from 7am to 11pm).
• gosmokefree.co.uk - an online resource for all the advice, information and support needed to stop and stay stopped.
• Together - this support programme is free to join, and is designed too help you stop smoking using both medical research as well as insights from ex-smokers. You can choose to receive emails, text messages, mailing packs and phone calls. For more information call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 or visit gosmokefree.co.uk.