14 Quotes by Simon Clarke

She is likely to have a hearing date probably in the middle of next year.

People were getting swept along still on their motorbikes, ... There were cars that had been picked up by the storm surge and they were getting pushed down the road, taking things out as they went.

Surveys, including government research, show that most people want a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities in pubs and clubs. Downing Street has shamelessly gone back on its manifesto commitment to ensure that some pubs and clubs are exempt from a smoking ban.

Suddenly this huge wave came, rushing down the beach, destroying everything in its wake. People that were snorkeling were dragged along the coral and washed up on the beach, and people that were sunbathing got washed into the sea.

Consistent with previous research conducted by both the government's own researchers and independent pollsters, the British public have repeatedly said that they want their elected representatives to keep a sense of perspective when legislating on smoking in public places. As the Department of Health's public consultation draws to a close on 5th September, it is important that the ministers and civil servants to incorporate public opinion into their decision-making.

Perhaps it will work in Dublin, but in the further out places it will be near impossible.

People should be under no illusion that this is still an illiberal piece of legislation that severely restricts consumer choice and limits the rights of publicans and restaurateurs to run their business as they see fit.

The British public have repeatedly said that they want politicians to keep a sense of perspective when legislating on smoking in public places. The vast majority want a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities with decent ventilation. Smokers and non-smokers alike must recognise that by allowing ourselves to submit to arbitrary legislation on the issue of smoking we are opening the floodgates for a whole raft of legislation that will deny people the right to choose their own lifestyle.

Banning public smoking to reduce the number of people who smoke is low on people's list of priorities. Government should not use legislation to force people to give up smoking.