Government minister in tobacco sponsorship quiz

12.00.00am GMT Wed 4th Dec 2002

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne has written to government minister Lord Rooker to enquire how it came to pass that a photograph taken by him has been used in a promotional calendar sponsored by the tobacco industry, which has been sent to all UK parliamentarians.

On Tuesday, the House Magazine sent out a copy of its 2003 calendar to all subscribers, including all MPs and MEPs. Each monthly page is sponsored by a different organisation and features a photograph taken by a politician. The January 2003 page features a photograph by Housing Minister Lord Rooker and has been sponsored by the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association.

Liz has written to Lord Rooker, a former MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, to inquire whether he knew his photograph would be sponsored by the TMA and to request that he publicly disassociate himself from the calendar.

The Liberal Democrat MEP said:

“I am hopeful that Lord Rooker will respond to my letter in a positive way and make it clear that he did not at any stage agree to his photograph being used to advertise the TMA.

“The tobacco industry, which the TMA represents, has fought the government tooth and nail over the new Tobacco Advertising and Promotions Bill, which was passed into law in October.

“Given the government’s strong line against smoking, it is unfortunate that a minister has allowed his name to be used to advertise the tobacco industry in this way.”

A copy of Liz’s letter to Lord Rooker can be found by clicking here.