Janice R. Andrews
Another setback for the prestigious society comes when Michael Morris, the chairman of the Commons and Lords Pipe and Cigar society, makes the heartbreaking admission that he has never smoked. The club used to be very active, but these days it only gets together for Christmas lunch once a year, a long cry from its heyday.
The parliament has approved the first step of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s legislation to phase out smoking, which forbids anyone born after 2009 from purchasing cigarettes. Although much praised, it brings back fond memories for Westminster’s tobacco enthusiasts.
Once a center of friendship where political adversaries gathered over cigars, the Commons smoking area has vanished from view since the public smoking prohibition was implemented in 2007. Nevertheless, eminent personalities such as Alan Clark and Winston Churchill made their impression on the vague ambiance.
But the smoking prohibition gave rise to new groups of lawmakers who were compelled to gather outside and became close through common problems. However, a few well-known people, like David Cameron and Ken Clarke, have had trouble breaking the practice.
There are fewer smokers in parliament now, but many Tory MPs still oppose Sunak’s measure because they believe it to be unduly restrictive. Among those voicing opposition were Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, who echoed concerns about government expansion and a shift away from conservative ideals.
Even if the Labour Party is anticipated to approve the law, Sunak’s brand of conservatism is going up against internal opposition that brings back memories of the days when cigar smoke wafted through the corridors of power.
