Bob Blackman talks about the impact smoking has had on his life
Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health, lost both of his parents to smoking when he was in his twenties. He supports a smokefree generation.
“Ending smoking is not just about health and wellbeing, it is a vital plank in the government’s strategy to deliver a workforce fit for the 21st century and grow the economy.
Half the difference in healthy life expectancy between the most and least advantaged is due to smoking. Over half a million smokers are admitted to hospital each year for treatment for diseases caused by their smoking.
Smokers need social care on average ten years earlier than non-smokers and the sickness and disability caused by smoking is a significant factor in the numbers unable to work.
Stopping smoking has an immediate impact on the quality and length of life of individual smokers.
“My parents died when I was 23. They both died of cancer. Both died because of smoking. We had two years prior to their death of terrible experience, in terms of health and me seeing my parents die literally in front of me.
I don’t want any family to go through that and so therefore for me, it’s not just a health-related issue or a community issue.
For me it’s personal.”
Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health.
Listen as Bob Blackman explains the impact smoking has had on his life.
