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Fake cigarette packs sent to all MPs

A fake cigarette packet, bearing the very real health warning that "Secondhand smoke kills bar workers" has been sent to all MPs.

The packs were sent by Cancer Research UK to coincide with the third reading of the Health Bill on Tuesday 14 February.

The fictitious brand "Your Choice" aims to bring home the message that MPs votes could make a huge difference to the health of workers.

To spell out why a comprehensive law is the only viable option, Cancer Research UK has filled the packs with mock cigarette cards outlining the major arguments and dispelling persistent myths.

Cancer Research UK urged all MPs to vote to save lives, by backing comprehensive smokefree legislation that would include pubs and private members' clubs. Read our detailed briefing on smokefree legislation - this briefing was sent to MPs in advance of the vote.

The Government's initial proposals left thousands of workers unprotected from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Fortunately, an overwhelming number of MPs voted to amend the Health Bill, removing exemptions for pubs that don't serve food and private members' clubs.

Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "The message couldn't be any louder or clearer. Our cigarette packets drive home the message that making all workplaces - including private members' clubs - smokefree without exemption is the only sensible option. One bar worker a week dies from exposure to secondhand smoke and anything other than a comprehensive law would allow this needless waste of life to continue.

"We call on all MPs to seize this monumental opportunity to improve the health of the country and vote for a comprehensive smokefree law."

You can email your MP to tell them what you think about smokefree workplaces through our CancerCampaigns website.