10. The Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:59 pm on 20 October 2020.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 4:59, 20 October 2020

(Translated)

I just want to reply briefly to those who have contributed. I first of all thank the Chair of the legislation committee, and thank him for recognising that we have shown in our explanation that we are complying with international law. It's important to highlight that smoking is not a human right, and it's important that people understand that. We do know that smoking is very damaging to people's health. It is one of the main causes of illness and early death, and is particularly prominent in terms of health inequalities in our communities.

Just to respond briefly to Mr Davies: just for clarity, the measures that we are bringing forward today do not impact private spaces. What we're talking about here are hospitals and public spaces such as public playing fields, for example, and that doesn't affect private spaces. Just to add to what Mr Griffiths said on the assistance that we need to give people who do want to quite smoking, we do need to focus on ensuring that people are aware of the fact that we do have a service in place, Help Me Quit, that has been active throughout the pandemic. We are aware that many people do want to quit smoking during this pandemic.

We have seen a general reduction in the prevalence of smoking in Wales, but we are aware that more needs to be done. These regulations are part of our ongoing efforts to make Wales a smoke-free area, where smoking isn't seen as being normal, and where people will be supported in making positive choices for the benefit of their own health. So, I ask the Senedd to support these regulations, and I do agree that it is vital that we do improve the health and lives of the people of Wales. Thank you.