The EU and the banning of E cigarettes.

MikeTV

I know it's legal at the moment - my point is that it shouldn't be, at least not in the case of tobacco companies.

karkus30

Then you are decrying the democratic system. You are effectively talking of a dictatorship where no representation is allowed. If the state stopped regulating the tobacco industry we would likely end up with more smokers. You know what ? I couldn't care less. As long as smokers don't trample on the rights and property of none smokers then I have no issue.

I don't know what to tell you at this point because everyone is lobbying to some extent. It is always used to freeze out competition resulting in driving up prices for customers either directly or through taxation. I cannot see how that can ever be avoided without reducing the power of the state to interfere. Welcome to my world.

You cannot stop the state interfering in things when they have the power to do so. Something's you will agree with and some you won't. That's democracy in action. Either stop the state interfering or we have to accept the creeping tide of regulation, laws and associated nannyism that has created the mess we are currently in.

I want you to enjoy your e.cigarettes for as long as you need them. I will fight for the right for you to enjoy them just as I fought to get rid of the beer tax escalator. I neither drink or smoke and detest smoking and drunken behaviour, but as long as someone wants the freedom to do so I will support it.

johntheexpat

But the cost of dealing with non-smokers, who live longer and therefore 'qualify' for all the expensive stuff ( decades of pensions and healthcare, after they cease being economically active etc). is much higher

johntheexpat

I can't believe you are all so anti-social and proud of it.  Haven't you read my post about the cost of  people not smoking?

Smoking benefits society.  Not smoking costs a fortune.  Be good members of society, think of the next generation.  Go on, have that ciggie. We all know you want to......

karkus30

Makes total sense to a libertarian. Plus, those who want to smoke can enjoy doing so.

EarthRod

The EU are concerned with safety of food and other consumer products in order to protect peoples health.

The 28 (I think) member states within the EU each have a healthcare system and collectively the health and safety laws and consumer rights need to be in common to ensure better protection and medical insurance.

This will make it easier to provide medical treatment when travelling within EU countries because health and safety laws will be similar.

MikeTV

No, I am not at all, Karkus. Don't be silly.

MikeTV

Speaking of tobacco lobbying...

David Cameron told to sack strategy chief over link to tobacco giants | Politics | The Observer

"David Cameron faces calls from senior Liberal Democrats to sack his controversial election strategist Lynton Crosby over his links with the tobacco industry, as the coalition descended into open warfare over public health policy."

"As the latest row over the role of big money in politics hit Downing Street, Paul Burstow, who was a health minister until September last year, said Crosby should either quit or be sacked by Cameron after it emerged that his lobbying firm works for global tobacco giant Philip Morris."

Sonic67

How bizarre. You want people to die off to save some money? Is there a particular age you have in mind?

MikeTV

I don't think John really wants anybody to die prematurely of cancer to save taxpayers' money - he's just illustrating how dubious the argument about the financial burden of smokers is, with his tongue firmly in his cheek.