Would you please stop persecuting me already!!

I smoke. So do many of my friends. You may not like it but are you willing to take up the tax slack if we all stop? No? What about half?

If Andy Burnham has his way that is exactly what will happen by 2020. That would mean tens of thousands less Police Officers. Or nurses. Are you finance that to indulge your prejudice?

Prejudice? Yes!! The smoking ban was a particularly nasty piece of legislation.It was supposed to protect workers, and I agree that shops, offices etc should be smoke-free. For the most part legislation wasn't needed as it was rare to be able to smoke in the workplace outside of designated areas.

However now Burnham's proposing extending the ban to smoking outside the workplace. There is no justification for this whatsoever. He's dressing it up as a means to further protect children. I don't see the logic as it's outdoors.

So yes, I feel persecuted. I rarely go out for the evening now as I can'y smoke without going outside. In January, when the temperatures dropped below minus 10, or any time of the year when it's raining, I am effectively banned from my local. And pretty soon I won't be able to spend my breaks in work as I wish.

If I choose to smoke, I do so being fully aware of the risk to my health. If I give up it will be my choice. I refuse to be forced by prejudice.