LETTER: Raise tobacco tax
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Judith Draycott's assertion that the "only" solution to cross-border cigarette smuggling is "an immediate and substantial cut in cigarette tax" is short-sighted (letter 3 August).
Yes, tax rates are different across Europe. But given the wide-ranging health and social consequences of cigarette smoking, perhaps the better long-term solution is to campaign for the raising of all tobacco taxes. The evidence is overwhelming that we should seek to maintain disincentives to cigarette smoking, not remove them because other countries do not yet have the political will to tax.
PHILIP ISHERWOOD
Leigh, Lancashire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments