The Conservative government says it’s committed to making England ‘smoke free’ by 2030 and only last week the Guardian reported that the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, is considering a New Zealand-style ban on the sale of cigarettes to future generations. 

Other measures said to be under consideration include a ban on smoking in pub beer gardens and licensed pavement areas. Meanwhile shadow health secretary Wes Streeting says that tackling smoking (and vaping) will be a priority for the next Labour government.

Question: Is the ongoing war on smoking justified, or is this yet another case of government overreach, with adults being treated like naughty children?

To discuss this hugely topical issue, Forest is hosting a fringe event in the IEA/TPA Think Tent at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Monday 2nd October, from 15:15 to 16:15.

Speakers

Simon Clark, director, Forest
Simon is director of Forest. He previously worked in public relations, publishing, journalism, and event management. A non-smoker, Simon appears regularly on television and radio defending adults who choose to smoke or vape. He writes a blog, ‘Taking Liberties’, and is often quoted by the print media on issues relating to smoking and tobacco.

Reem Ibrahim, communications officer, Institute of Economic Affairs
Reem is the communications officer at the Institute of Economic Affairs. A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, she appears regularly on television and radio, notably the BBC, LBC, GB News and TalkTV, and has written for the Telegraph and CapX. Prior to becoming communications officer at the IEA, Reem was a general intern, working with various departments including research and media.

Mark Oates, director, We Vape
Mark Oates is the director of the consumer advocacy group We Vape and a Fellow of the Adam Smith Institute. Mark founded We Vape in 2020. An established harm reduction campaigner, he successfully quit cigarettes with the help of vaping and recognised the enormous potential it has to save lives.

Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics, IEA
Christopher is the head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs. He is a regular contributor to the Spectator, Telegraph and Spiked, and is the author of ‘Polemics’ (2020), ‘Killjoys’ (2017), ‘Selfishness, Greed and Capitalism’ (2015), ‘The Art of Suppression’ (2011), ‘The Spirit Level Delusion’ (2010) and ‘Velvet Glove, Iron Fist’ (2009). He is also the editor of the Nanny State Index.

Livestream

If you are going to Manchester please join us. If not, you can livestream the event by clicking here.