Luciana Berger MP, Shadow Minister for Public Health, commenting on an amendment tabled by the Government in the House of Lords today to make Labour’s proposed ban on smoking in cars with children a reality, said:

“This concession by the Government puts us on the brink of a precious victory for child health. Just days after the House of Lords backed Labour’s proposal to ban smoking in cars with children, Ministers have now gone further and laid out how this can be written into law. This confirms that a ban can work in practice.

“This is a matter of child protection, not adult choice. Children are especially vulnerable to passive smoking, with nearly half a million exposed to potentially toxic levels of second-hand smoke in family cars every week. Just as seat belt laws and the smoking ban have helped change behaviour in the past, outlawing smoking in cars with children would send a powerful signal and improve public health.

“Parliament now has an opportunity to unite behind a proposal that will tangibly improve the lives of children right across our country. I hope MPs of all parties will seize that chance.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. Following the vote in the House of Lords last week, Health Minister Earl Howe has today tabled a Government amendment to the Children & Families Bill (Clause 88) with detailed proposals to ban smoking in cars with children.

2. Labour Shadow Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath will be adding his name in support of the amendment after being invited to do so by Ministers.

3. The new amendment will be considered by House of Lords during the final stages of the Bill on Wednesday. If approved, as is anticipated, this amendment will then pass to the House of Commons to be voted on by MPs.