UK Smoking Ban: Peer Derails Bill, Discusses Tobacco Firm Lobbying
Hear’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on potential conflicts of interest and lobbying concerns:
* Lord Strathcarron’s Connection to BAT: Lord Strathcarron admitted to having a relative “vrey high up” at British American Tobacco (BAT). he discussed the tobacco and vapes bill with this relative, who believed it was unneeded. Strathcarron initially didn’t feel the need to declare this connection, deeming the relative “barely family.”
* Discussion of the Bill: The relative at BAT believed market forces would achieve the bill’s goals without the need for legislation.
* Reliance on Lobbyists: Strathcarron stated that peers often rely on lobbyists and pressure groups for research and drafting assistance due to a lack of support staff.
* Contact with Action on World health: He was in regular contact with Action on World Health, a group co-founded by Nigel Farage and staffed by nicotine industry consultants.
* BAT’s Response: BAT claimed to be unaware of any engagement between a BAT employee and Lord Strathcarron and declined to identify the related employee.
* Potential Conflict: The situation raises concerns about potential undue influence on policy-making, given Strathcarron’s discussions with a BAT insider and his reliance on a lobbying group with ties to the nicotine industry.
In essence, the article highlights a potential conflict of interest for Lord Strathcarron regarding the tobacco and vapes bill, stemming from his family connection to BAT and his engagement with industry-linked lobbying groups.