3rd July 2007 - Fuming about the smoking ban? Or breathing easy at last?

As England 'goes smoke-free' this week, Yorkshire and the Humber Euro-MP Linda McAvan wants to hear the views of people around the region. Is the ban on smoking in public places a good thing? And should it be extended across the EU?

Ms McAvan is consulting with constituents in light of proposals from the European Commission to extend the ban to cover all 27 EU countries. Other proposals are also being suggested, including legislation to ensure 'smoke free' spaces and more voluntary agreements.

Linda McAvan said;

"Now that the government has banned smoking here, England joins Ireland, Italy and Sweden in restricting smoking in public places. I have always supported measures to try and reduce the number of people smoking, but I am eager to hear how people feel about the ban. Should it be extended, will it work, or is this something the EU should have nothing to do with? Do people want smoke-free restaurants when they are traveling, or are smokers persecuted enough already? I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say."

You can take part in the consultation online now by clicking here. Alternatively, you can download a PDF of the consultation to print and distribute by clicking here.

The European Commission has produced this film as part of their own Green Paper consultation. It is provided here for information only. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of Linda or the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.