John Prescott defiantly in support of no-smoking ban
1 Jul 2007 by Jamie Clifton
Residents of Hull East remain confused after their MP, John Prescott, was asked what he was going to do with his time now he is out of government. He was quoted as saying that he was "returning to his constituency to promote one of the most important pieces of legislation realised during my tenure, the no-smoking ban". When pressed on the apparent confusion over the intent of the government action he was clear and stated he would "remain convinced of the worth of the no-smoking ban however unpopular the decision is with the public. This is what government is for, hard decisions." He did not comment further before speeding off in what was presumed to be a Jag.Mr Mark Pulson of James-Reckitt Avenue in Mr Prescott's constituency voiced his concerns. "I gave up smoking earlier this year and now he is telling me that it's going to be illegal not to smoke? I gave up because I thought it was bad for you. I will have to look again."
Mary Swains, owner of a small shop in Kelvin Street, again in Mr Prescott's constituency, voiced concerns over the complexity of the government's plans. "I like many people had assumed that the government had aimed to stop people smoking, but after listening to Mr Prescott I see that it's in fact the opposite. I was a little confused but I am sure that he was supporting people like me [small shop owners] in supporting the sale of cigarettes."
Mr Prescott was unavailable for further comment but his spokesman said that he would be working as much as his health allowed and he hoped to offer the government support on the Immigration Bill, which would significantly help "with the repatriation of British Citizens".
