Tobacco firms urged to stop blocking damages claims

A group of people suffering from smoking-related illnesses has called on the tobacco industry to stop frustrating their campaign for compensation.

The Injured Smokers for Justice group said today that every time it had taken legal action to secure damages from tobacco firms, these firms had used every legal tactic available to block and delay the cases.

The group, which is due to take a High Court case on Tuesday, called on the tobacco industry to end its legal resistance and accept that the ex-smokers have a valid case for compensation.