"Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm," he said. "Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer."
Signed by more than 1,200 health professionals including doctors, nurses and public health directors, the letter stresses that the bill is urgently needed. The chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, Hazel Cheeseman, said: Every week, thousands of young people become trapped in a cycle of deadly addiction that will shorten their lives. Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, killing more than half of long-term users. Politicians can protect future generations by passing this truly gamechanging legislation.
