Health education - Too soft on soft drinks

It must be assumed that anyone who still smokes has decided to ignore the evidence that confirms it is such an unhealthy habit.

New evidence suggests nearly 4,000 people are alive because of the ban on smoking in the workplace introduced in 2004.

It is unfortunate that so many people still smoke, but that does not mean we cannot learn the lesson that direct action on the kind of consumption, or addiction, that represents a threat to public health is nearly always worthwhile.

It has been established that some sugary drinks aimed at children are significant contributors to our obesity epidemic and to escalating type 2 diabetes figures.

It is time to tackle this issue with the vigour and purpose used to face down the tobacco giants a decade ago; not to would be a betrayal of our children.