Tobacco.org

• Merton Council shares in cigarette company profits 

A council decision to invest millions in cigarette companies while running anti-smoking campaigns has been branded “hypocritical”.

Despite claims to be working to cut smoking in the borough, a leaked list of the council’s investments shows it holds more than £3.5m of shares in cigarette makers Imperial Tobacco and British American Tobacco.

The council has pledged to reduce smoking in the borough through the Healthier Communities Strategy, a partnership with Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust.

The partnership’s priorities include running campaigns and offering support to help smokers quit, as well as reducing the habit among young people.

But, on March 31 this year, the council had £2,407,311 invested in British American Tobacco, makers of Lucky Strike and Benson and Hedges cigarettes. And some £1,171,936 was invested in Imperial Tobacco, makers of Lambert and Butler.

Jump to full article »