Smoking could be banned outdoors in the capital after London Mayor Boris Johnson commissioned a report into the idea (Illustration: Stone Creative Design)

A report commissioned by London mayor Boris Johnson has suggested that large outdoor areas in the capital should become smoke-free zone – and its author says the report could ‘show the way’ for other British cities.

The report suggested that huge areas of London parkland – covering 40% of the city – should become smoke-free, as well as landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.

Johnson, who has previously admitted to smoking ‘quite a few spliffs’ in his youth, commissioned Lord Darzi to author the report.

Lord Darzi says the report could ‘show the way’ for the rest of Britain.


‘The ideas and proposals in this report have been developed for London. Yet they could just as easily apply to other big cities in the UK – London should be a leader, not an exception,’ Lord Darzi said.



The proposals have also been praised by Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sally Davies.

‘We all know smoking is bad for health,’ she said. ‘So I welcome any measures to reduce both active smoking and its role modelling in front of children.’

Lord Darzi said 8,400 people in London die each year from the effects of tobacco, and warned that despite regulations on advertising cigarettes, children are being influenced by the adults they see smoking.

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He said: ‘As a cancer surgeon working in the NHS, I see the terrible consequences for smokers and their families. We must do more to help people quit and discourage kids from taking it up.’

Lord Darzi, who suggests a London Health Commissioner should be appointed to manage the new recommendations, said the measures are a way to help people make healthier decisions in life.

Anti-smoking campaign group ASH welcomed the report but Simon Clarke of pro-smoking group Forest said a ban would be ‘outrageous’.

In a blog post he wrote: ‘A ban on smoking in parks and squares would be outrageous. There’s no health risk to anyone other than the smoker. If you don’t like the smell, walk away.

‘Tobacco is a legal product. If the Chief Medical Officer doesn’t like people smoking in front of children she should lobby the Government to introduce designated smoking rooms in pubs and clubs so adults can smoke inside in comfort.

‘The next thing you know we’ll be banned from smoking in our own gardens in case a whiff of smoke travels over the fence.’

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(Illustration: Stone Creative Design)