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UK Government Commended on Tobacco Tax Increase

Note: World Lung Foundation united with The Union North America. From January 2016, the combined organization is known as “Vital Strategies.”

(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.”