IT has been argued by anti-smoking campaigners that cigarettes are more affordable than they were 40 years ago.
It may be true that many people are better off but to use that argument to justify a further increase in tobacco taxation in the Budget is obscene.
UK smokers already pay more tax than any other country (up to 89 per cent on a packet of 20 cigarettes). High taxation on tobacco hits the elderly and the less well-off the hardest.
It also encourages smuggling which in turn increases overall consumption because of the sheer volume of cheap tobacco that is available throughout the country.
SIMON CLARK,
Director FOREST, London.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article