16 July 2004
The British Medical Association has dismissed suggestions that tackling public health problems such as obesity and smoking-related illnesses would lead to a nanny state.
In its response to the Department of Health's consultation on preventing illness, Choosing health, the BMA said the government had a responsibility to remove the obstacles to healthier lifestyles, although individuals must be allowed to make their own decisions.
'It's hard for people to give up smoking without smoke-free public places, cycle to work without cycle lanes, or buy healthy foods if they're too expensive. In recent years, laws on drink-driving and safety belts have turned out to be both effective and popular, and it's time for the government to show the same leadership on smoking, obesity and sexual health,' said Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's head of science and ethics.
She added that the government had a 'moral duty' to ban smoking in public places.
PFjul2004
