Hosted by Forest & the TaxPayers’ Alliance
Monday, 6th October | 11.30am – 12.30pm
The Labour Government intends to ban the sale of tobacco to all future generations of adults, and even under a leader who voted against the policy the Conservative Party remains ambiguous. If the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law, what will it say about personal freedom in Britain today, and what is the next battleground in the war on choice?
Speakers
Duncan Barkes, broadcaster and political commentator, Taxpayers’ Alliance (Chair)
Duncan is a broadcaster, journalist and commentator with a wealth of broadcasting experience covering phone-in radio, interviews and politics, along with breaking, national and global news. Duncan has written for the Daily Telegraph and Daily Express and has appeared on Sky News and BBC TV discussing current affairs. He can also regularly be found on GB News talking about news and politics. He currently hosts the TaxPayers’ Alliance’ podcast, A Nation of Taxpayers, and author of BBC Watch, a monthly newsletter covering the latest scandals at the beeb and the TPA’s campaign for the abolition of the licence fee.
Simon Clark, director, Forest
Simon is a non-smoker who joined Forest in 1999. Prior to that he worked in public relations, political and media research, magazine publishing and event management. As director of Forest he has been a prominent opponent of the smoking ban, plain packaging and more.
Joanna Marchong, investigations campaign manager, TaxPayers’ Alliance
Joanna joined the TaxPayers’ Alliance as Investigations Campaign Manager after graduating from Durham University in October 2023. Since then, she has led hundreds of investigations exposing waste and incompetence across the public sector. Her work has uncovered scandals, including £500 million handed to farmers overseas, £52 million blown on EDI roles, council staff carrying out their duties while abroad, and the rise of a sick note culture throughout the public sector.
Jack Rankin MP
Jack has been the member of parliament since July 2024. Jack began his career in commodity trading and investment decision-making in the energy industry. He previously served as a councillor and cabinet member on Windsor and Maidenhead borough council from 2015-19.
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