Call for end to global collusion with tobacco firms

SMOKING kills more people than Aids, murder, drugs, road accidents and suicide combined, but governments and the EU are allowing tobacco companies to influence their policies.

Cancer and anti-smoking organisations say this collusion must end and are demanding strict guidelines in the Convention on Tobacco Control, to prevent tobacco companies interfering in public policy.

More than 157 countries, including Ireland, have signed up to the World Health Organisation’s Convention — the first international public health treaty.