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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR SCOTLAND IMPROVING SCOTLAND'S HEALTH: THE CHALLENGE TOBACCO CONTROL ACTION PLAN
MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
Smoking is deeply rooted within our society, particularly in some of our most deprived communities and we all know that many smokers find it very difficult to quit a habit which may well have gripped them for most of their adult lives.
This document is the first ever action plan on tobacco control designed specifically for Scotland. It builds upon and responds to an excellent report by NHS Health Scotland and ASH Scotland and offers a programme of action covering prevention and education, protection and controls and the expansion of high quality cessation services. It also addresses the issue of passive smoking and offers everybody the opportunity to learn more about the risks involved and contribute to a national debate about the steps we might take to reduce such risks.
There is no question of forcing people to stop smoking. This is a matter for persuasion not coercion. However, the impact of smoking in places where it can impact on others is a source of legitimate concern. We want smokers to listen and act upon clear evidence about the harm that their habit can do to themselves and the people around them. We want young people to see that smoking is as 'uncool' as it is harmful. We want to see a society in which everybody aspires to live a healthy, smoke-free life and has access to the support that can help them realise this ambition.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland represents a huge opportunity to improve the health of the people of Scotland and I hope that it strikes a chord with everybody who reads it.
Tom McCabe
Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care
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