As well as supporting the 10th anniversary of the smoking ban in enclosed public places being introduced in England (Huge gains from ban on pub smoking hailed, 26 June) recognition needs to be given to the then Scottish executive. Under the then first minister, Jack McConnell, it introduced the smoking, health and social care (Scotland) bill in 2005, which became law the following in March. At the time this was a very politically courageous thing to do in the face of claims about job losses and infringements of human rights. It has probably brought more benefits to Scottish society than virtually any other recent piece of legislation. Without this pioneering initiative, would the later bans in Wales, Northern Ireland and eventually England have been possible? Credit where credit is due – to the Labour-controlled Scottish executive, Jack McConnell and his health secretary, Andy Kerr.
Keith Hayton
Glasgow
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