No evidence behind British cigarette pack decision

THE early signs were encouraging. When the current UK government took power, it seemed earnest about the need for rational policy-making. Sadly, the past couple of weeks have exploded that notion when it comes to health.

Last week, it deferred a decision to impose plain packaging on cigarettes, despite convincing arguments that this will deter smoking. Now it has signalled that it will abandon a commitment to minimum alcohol pricing, the single most effective way to combat excessive drinking.

Both decisions arouse suspicion that the government has caved in to vested interests ? particularly since Conservative Party election strategist Lynton Crosby's lobbying firm works for Philip Morris, one of the world's biggest tobacco firms. Recall also that in 2011 it disbanded an expert advisory panel on obesity, some of whose members had criticised its closeness to fast food giants.

A cartoon much beloved by climate change activists asks: "What if it's a big hoax and we create a better world for nothing?" On public health, it's beginning to seem as if the UK government is bent on creating a better world for no one ? except big business.

This article appeared in print under the headline "Going up in smoke"

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