Vote for children

MSPs today vote on the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill, which contains proposals that can prevent children starting to smoke.

Smoking remains Scotland's biggest killer and, if we are to reduce the deaths and illnesses it causes, it is vital we take the preventive steps outlined in the bill.

By removing highly visible promotional displays of tobacco, banning self-service cigarette vending machines and introducing stricter sanctions for those who break tobacco sales laws, the Scottish Parliament can help to secure a healthier future for our children and young people.

In Scotland, smoking causes one in four deaths and costs the NHS 409 million a year. The Scottish Coalition on Tobacco (Scot) calls on our MSPs to change that by supporting the bill today and helping to stop our future generations from starting to smoke.

SHEILA DUFFY

Scottish Coalition on Tobacco

Edinburgh