Robert Brown calls for awareness of smoking dangers among young people

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 31st May 2008

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has today welcomed the 2008 "World No Tobacco Day" theme of "Tobacco Free Youth" by lodging a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating those involved in health awareness campaigns.

The motion congratulates South West Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership for their initiatives in organising a nursery based event for parents in Govan, and a schools-based event for parents in Pollok to raise awareness of smoking-related health risks and the support services available in the area.

Robert Brown said:

"The "World No Tobacco Day" is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness among young people of the dangers of smoking.

"Smoking costs the Scottish economy £827m each year and is the cause of too many deaths.

"Most people who smoke start smoking before the age of 18 and the younger children are when they first try smoking the more likely they are to become regular tobacco users.

"The ban on smoking in public places has helped substantially to change public attitudes but more needs to be done. Young people don't always recognise or appreciate the health dangers and, by the time they do, they can be addicted to tobacco.

"Events like the "World No Tobacco Day" are great opportunities to continue driving home the message and I have given it a Parliamentary voice with my motion calling on the Scottish Government to take action to raise awareness among teenagers and young adults of the dangers of smoking."