TUC Welcomes 'Free Vote' on Smoking Ban

Welcoming the announcement that Labour MPs will be given a free vote on whether to extend the proposed smoking ban to all pubs in England TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

"Only a full smoking ban will protect workers in bars and pubs from the second hand smoke that kills up to 50 of them a year. The TUC will be writing to all MPs, urging them to vote for a total ban."

Meanwhile, the BBC News website reports that Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt will vote for a complete ban on smoking in pubs and clubs in England when MPs vote on the plan in a 'free vote'.

The move means Ms Hewitt - who differs from her predecessor John Reid on the extent of a smoking ban - will be voting against her department's policy.

About 70 Labour MPs are thought to be in favour of an outright ban - potentially enough to overturn Tony Blair's majority of 66 provided opposition MPs also vote with them.

Labour member of the health select committee Dr Howard Stoate said he expected MPs to "overwhelmingly support" a blanket ban.

"I think Patricia Hewitt pretty much puts the seal of approval on the whole thing. The free vote means she is now able to say what she believes," he told the BBC News website.

The 'Free' vote is likely to take place in two weeks time, and it is though result in a Total Smoking Ban!

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