WHO makes these stupid rules! (1)

Just a few days after Call Me Dave declared war on red tape and threatened to drag bureaucrats that make stupid rules into his office for a stiff talking to, his Health Secretary proudly announced the commencement of stage 2 of the WHO war on smokers governments new 'Tobacco Control Plan for England. In 2012 Tesco will be forced to hide their fags under the counter, by 2015 Mr Patel will only be allowed to display a small written list of brand names and prices in his newsagents. Nightclub vending machines will be a thing of yesterday by next year too.

Something the politicians and media never like to mention is who actually makes these rules, that's because WHO, part of the UN, do. Ever since the UK and around 100 other nations (including many dictatorships) signed up to their Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003 we agreed to eradicate tobacco (well to hand the lucrative trade in tobacco over to foreign criminals).

It works like this. WHO publish a rather subjective treaty urging signatories to protect people from the perils of tobacco smoke. For example, have a look at Article 13:

"Each Party shall, in accordance with its constitution or constitutional principles, undertake a comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. This shall include, subject to the legal environment and technical means available to that Party ..."

In 2003 do you think anyone read that as fags had to go under the counter? Well, it is subjective isn't it, so WHO helpfully publish 'Guidelines for Implementation'. In 2008 they instructed the world:

"Display of tobacco products at points of sale in itself constitutes advertising and promotion. Display of products is a key means of promoting tobacco products and tobacco use, including by stimulating impulse purchases of tobacco products, giving the impression that tobacco use is socially acceptable ..."

They continue:

"To ensure that points of sale of tobacco products do not have any promotional elements, Parties should introduce a total ban on any display and on the visibility of tobacco products at points of sale ... the ban should also apply in ferries, airplanes, ports and airports."

Vending machines?

"Vending machines should be banned because they constitute by their very presence a means of advertising or promotion under the terms of the Convention."

There you go, that is how it works. Politicians who are soft in their implemention of the FCTC are targeted by the lobby. The more draconian you are, the more the FCTC people like you, the more they laud you and the more you get to ride the WHO gravy train. The UK is actually putting many tyrannical dictatorships to shame!

More to come on the FCTC and Lansley's other plans for smokers over the next week or two.