That the Parliament marks World No Tobacco Day, which takes place annually on 31 May; commends the health charities, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland and ASH Scotland, for backing the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) campaign theme for 2026, Unmask the Appeal: Countering Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction; understands that the campaign spotlights what it considers to be the tobacco and nicotine industry’s tactics of marketing addictive products to young people; welcomes reductions in smoking rates since the Scottish Parliament reconvened in 1999, yet notes that rates continue to be highest in the most deprived communities; recognises calls for ensuring that all tobacco and nicotine products be placed out of sight and out of mind, including banning smoking in public places, where children and young people are exposed, for instance at school gates and playgrounds; further believes that such action would protect the next generation, and believes that reducing smoking rates benefits everyone by preventing ill-health, saving lives and lowering the costs for the NHS.
Supported by: Colin Beattie, Dawn Black, Ariane Burgess, Michelle Campbell, Patricia Gibson, Katie Hagmann, Cara McKee, Paul McLennan, Carol Mochan, Laura Moodie, Paul Sweeney