Your first smoke-free chance this Sunday - 1st July 2007

[Sput]

Well since they are going to put these "health warning images" on all ciggie packets then the following also should happen within this Nanny State:
Every McDonalds/Burger King etc must display a life size picture of a Fat American
Every travel agent must have posters showing graphic pictures of air/rail/sea accident fatalities
Every payslip must include a picture of the greedy Chancellor collecting taxes for all the things we are not supposed to do!

We get it. You're a smoker and you don't like taxes.

[Jamez]

Great! and now they're seriously considering plastering fag packets with diseased lungs a rotten teeth.

I have a stainless steel cigarette case which you pop the cardboard packet into - no warnings or pictures and makes you look a little more sophisticated.

I've actually cut down to about 10 a day now. The discovery of Cuban cigars rolled on the thighs of virgins (so that's where Ryan Pannell went?!) has filled the cigarette-void.

[Stuart*]

We get it. You're a smoker and you don't like taxes.

I suppose you would offer to pay more taxes given the opportunity?

[Sput]

We get it. You're a smoker and you don't like taxes.

I suppose you would offer to pay more taxes given the opportunity?

Actually, yes. As I'm a full-time student for the next few years (and paid near 14 grand for my trouble) I pay neither income nor council tax. Paying more (some) taxes would therefore mean I had gainful employment, and that would please me financially as I'd probably be better off.

[Stuart*]

Actually, yes. As I'm a full-time student for the next few years (and paid near 14 grand for my trouble) I pay neither income nor council tax. Paying more (some) taxes would therefore mean I had gainful employment, and that would please me financially as I'd probably be better off.

If it was so much "trouble" perhaps you shouldn't have bothered. A meaningless claim then Sput since you pay little or no taxes at present and won't do for some time. So you are having to pay something towards your education, quite right too. I don't see why I should, but I'm sure my taxes subsidise it.

Of course, after finding gainful employment you will be able to contribute to the tax burden you wish to so heavily increase. I'm sure your attitude will change then.

Try earning a living wage, paying a mortgage and all other direct and indirect taxes (which amount to alot more of your earnings than you think) and then say "slap on a bit more tax". You are either far more naive than I imagined or never expecting to work.

[Alexia]

I'm in favour of anything that will make people quit the habit. Higher tax surcharges on packets of cigarettes and on tobacco may slowly begin to recoup the damage smoking causes to the resources of the NHS, street sweepers etc.

As for the disturbing images, I'm sorry to say that's the truth of even a little bit of tobacco. Yes, burgers and chocolate can be over-eaten, I'm as guilty of that as anyone. However in moderation I can control my weight and cholestorol. Smoking causes a chain reaction within your body - both addictive and destructive - that means that not only do you actually CRAVE more and more cigarettes (chocolate is addictive but at least it's not a drug) but that craving also dramatically affects your body.

I'm glad to read however that since the ban people have cut down due to inconvenience, and I expect that number to increase in the next few months when going outside becomes less and less desirable an option.

[Sput]

Actually, yes. As I'm a full-time student for the next few years (and paid near 14 grand for my trouble) I pay neither income nor council tax. Paying more (some) taxes would therefore mean I had gainful employment, and that would please me financially as I'd probably be better off.

If it was so much "trouble" perhaps you shouldn't have bothered. A meaningless claim then Sput since you pay little or no taxes at present and won't do for some time. So you are having to pay something towards your education, quite right too. I don't see why I should, but I'm sure my taxes subsidise it.

Of course, after finding gainful employment you will be able to contribute to the tax burden you wish to so heavily increase. I'm sure your attitude will change then.

Try earning a living wage, paying a mortgage and all other direct and indirect taxes (which amount to alot more of your earnings than you think) and then say "slap on a bit more tax". You are either far more naive than I imagined or never expecting to work.

I mean I *get* paid 14 grand for my trouble*, and "for my trouble" is a turn of phrase, it doesn't mean I dislike it. The only thing I don't understand in this situation is where you got the impression that I think taxes should be raised. As for whether my attitude will change, I doubt it. I see it for what it is: financially unavoidable and [subjectively] necessary in the grander scheme of things. Rather like student loan (worth it) repayments which will kick in at the same time.

*Another argument for another time!

[Lorns]

I'm glad to read however that since the ban people have cut down due to inconvenience, and I expect that number to increase in the next few months when going outside becomes less and less desirable an option.

Until the lost revenue has to be reclaimed elsewhere. It will probably be the motorist who will suffer for it. Your going to tell me now that you don't own a car and cycle everywhere arn't you.

[Sput]

Oh how I wish you'd addressed me there

[Lorns]

Oh how I wish you'd addressed me there

Please feel free to respond.

[Sput]

I live on a bus route, it's an unfair comparison