The Prime Minister's decision to allow a free vote on whether or not to ban smoking in all pubs and bars rather than just in those which sell food paves the way for a healthier social and working life for many people. MPs who were disappointed at the earlier toned-down recommendation from the Government will now have a chance to act over their constituents' concerns about the dangers of passive smoking.

The health issue is paramount. All other considerations, be they generating tax revenue for the Chancellor or supporting the interests of big business, should be separated from this debate.

We are not calling for individuals to be banned from smoking - although those who do smoke would be well advised to consider stopping for the sake of their own health and that of their families. This is purely about passive smoking and forcing the residue of a lethal habit into the noses, throats and lungs of innocent third parties who are eating and drinking in establishments frequented by smokers, or of members of staff who currently are forced to put their health at risk on a daily basis.

Whether people smoke or not is irrelevant. It is where they smoke that matters, and that should not be in places like bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants which are frequented by non-smokers.

We urge all local MPs, whatever their political persuasion, to vote for a complete ban on smoking in all public places and bring England into line with the Republic of Ireland, which has already made that move, and Scotland and Northern Ireland, where bans are imminent.