The Scottish Liberal Democrat members gathered at their conference in Perth and voiced their opposition to the proposed escalating age limit on purchasing tobacco products. The UK government’s plan to raise the age limit every year starting from 2027 did not sit well with the members, who described the restrictions as “crackers”.
While the members were against raising the age limit for tobacco purchase, they did support further restrictions on outdoor smoking rules. Additionally, they put forward a motion for the UK government to levy tobacco company profits to fund healthcare initiatives and prevent smoking.
During the conference, discussions were held about the potential ban on smoking, with some members expressing their concerns. GP Drummond Begg argued against an escalating age, emphasizing that health issues should not be discriminated against. On the other hand, 13-year-old Noah McGarry advocated for a ban on smoking and vaping products, highlighting how young people are targeted by these harmful substances.
The debate around public smoking was described as a “meaty liberal discussion” by Mr Cole-Hamilton, who opposed an outright ban on smoking outside. He criticized the rolling age band proposal, pointing out the potential absurdity of having two tiers of rights based on age.
Adam Harley acknowledged the harmful effects of smoking but cautioned against taking away adults’ right to choose. He warned against infringing on individual liberty and bodily autonomy by implementing a rolling age limit on tobacco sales.
Jenny Marr shared her personal experience of quitting smoking and emphasized the importance of individual choice. She believed that legislating and dictating people’s decisions on smoking could lead to excessive state intervention, calling for a focus on addressing the root causes of smoking initiation.
Tim Brett, a former NHS Tayside chief executive, also opposed the proposed ban on tobacco sales. He expressed concerns that supporting the ban could send the wrong message about the party’s stance on smoking, despite aiming for a smoke-free country.
In conclusion, the Scottish Liberal Democrat members’ opposition to the escalating age limit on tobacco purchase reflects a nuanced discussion on public health, individual rights, and societal challenges related to smoking. While advocating for tobacco control measures, they emphasized the importance of preserving personal choice and addressing the underlying issues driving smoking initiation.
