World Lung Foundation Commends UK Government on Tobacco Tax Increase
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Contact: Jorge Alday, Public Relations Manager
(New York) – World Lung Foundation released today the following statement from Peter Baldini, Executive Director, commending the UK government on its decision to raise tobacco taxes as part of its next budget:
"Kudos to Alistair Darling for raising taxes on tobacco in this year's budget. Abundant research and economic modeling has shown that consumption will decrease meaning that there is a real, tangible public health benefit from at least this part of the budget.
The tobacco industry is almost certain to raise the red herring argument of increased smuggling. To that, I would say that the UK government should never base its fiscal or health policy on the potential actions of a few criminals. Government remains responsible for collecting duty owed as it would be with any other potentially smuggled product. Moreover, tax and price increases do not need to result in increased smuggling. Counter‐measures can and do include steps such as prominently affixed tax stamps, improving border security, reducing money laundering activity, careful inventory tracking, and aggressive law enforcement.
Rare is the policy tool that can save lives and simultaneously boost government coffers. Now the job is to implement the policy well."
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About World Lung Foundation
World Lung Foundation was established in response to the global epidemic of lung disease, which kills 10 million people each year. The organization improves global lung health by improving local capacity to conduct research, develop public policy and deliver public health education. The organization's areas of emphasis are tobacco control, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, asthma, and child lung health. For more information, please visit worldlungfoundation.org