Dame Angela Watkinson is The Freedom Association’s ‘Parliamentarian of the Week’
The Freedom Association is pleased to announce that Dame Angela Watkinson, Conservative MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, is this week’s ‘Parliamentarian of the Week’.
The Government announced this week that it intends to ask Parliament to vote on a law introducing plain cigarette packaging in England and Wales. No-one in their right mind wants to encourage children to smoke, however, evidence from Australia shows that the plain packaging of cigarettes has had no discernible impact on smoking trends. Plain packaging, as well as taking away a company’s right to use its own trademark, could also lead to the increase of counterfeit cigarettes, which have greater health implications than a packet of twenty bought legally in the UK.
Dame Angela Watkinson gave an excellent speech in the House of Commons opposing plain packaging, emphasising that she is a life-long non-smoker and laying out the reasons why this proposed legislation will not work. Here is part of what she had to say:
“Standardised packaging would be bad for exports, bad for retailers, particularly small shops, bad for jobs in warehousing, distribution, marketing, design and packaging, and bad for the Treasury, but very good for criminals, making the illicit trade much easier. What would follow-bottles of wine with plain labels, or bars of chocolate in plain packages as we are controlled and someone else makes our decisions for us?”
She ended by saying:
“Let us try to be positive and sensible. Let us clamp down on illicit sales of smuggled cigarettes in our neighbourhoods, and enforce a new ban on purchasing tobacco for under-18s, as with alcohol. Let us support shopkeepers in their role as gatekeepers to age-restricted products, encourage “No ID, no sale” signs in shop windows, and enforce stiff penalties against retailers caught selling cigarettes knowingly to children and let us not forget the responsibility of parents to know how much pocket money their children have to spend and what they spend it on. In short, the policy of plain packaging is well intentioned but misguided. It will do more harm than good. It will not work and I oppose it.”
The Government should be doing everything it can to ensure children do not start smoking. Continuing education is the key, as well as ensuring current laws on selling tobacco to under-18s is rigorously enforced. We must also remember that criminal gangs make a lucrative income out of the illicit cigarette trade. As Dame Angela rightly pointed out, plain packaging is good news for them and will make their lives much easier.
Dame Angela also mentioned the prospect of this sort of legislation acting as the starting point for changes to the packaging and selling of other products, from alcohol to chocolate. Restricting choice is not something that The Freedom Association supports and we, like Dame Angela, fear that this is the start of what may become a number of Government plans to take away responsibility from individuals and their freedom to choose.
I offer Dame Angela Watkinson my congratulations as this week’s worthy recipient of our ‘Parliamentarian of the Week’ award.
Source: http://www.tfa.net/2015/01/23/dame-angela-watkinson-is-the-freedom-associations-parliamentarian-of-the-week/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.
| Online: | |
| Visits: | 1,608,949,881 |
| Stories: | 8,166,394 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
