Investigation reveals how big tobacco is able to woo parliamentarians

BMJ: Report shows 38 MPs have accepted over £60,000 of industry hospitality since 2010.  More than half of these MPs are from constituencies where the number of smoking related deaths exceeds the national average 20 of the 38 MPs who accepted hospitality voted against plain packaging. An investigation by The BMJ today asks to what extent is the tobacco industry able to reach out and influence parliamentarians? It shows that since 2010, 38 MPs – 29 Conservatives, eight Labour, and one independent – have accepted over £60,000 worth of tobacco industry hospitality, including tickets to the Chelsea flower show, high profile sporting events and rock concerts. More than half of these MPs are from constituencies where the number of smoking related deaths exceeds the national average of 289 per 100,000.