Former cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt has come under fire from health campaigners after it was announced that she has taken on a role as an adviser to British American Tobacco (BAT). The news has sparked outrage, with many questioning how someone who has previously abstained from key anti-smoking legislation can now work for one of the world’s largest tobacco companies.
Mordaunt, who served as the Secretary of State for International Development from 2019 to 2020, has faced criticism in the past for her stance on tobacco control. In 2018, she was one of the few MPs to abstain from a crucial vote on plain packaging for cigarettes, a measure that has been proven to be effective in reducing smoking rates.
The former minister’s decision to join BAT as an adviser has been met with disappointment and frustration from health campaigners. Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), stated that it was “deeply concerning” that Mordaunt had chosen to work for a company that is responsible for “the deaths of millions of people around the world.”
BAT is one of the largest tobacco companies in the world, with a long history of controversial business practices. The company has been accused of targeting young people and developing countries with its marketing strategies, and has been involved in numerous lawsuits over its role in the global tobacco epidemic.
Mordaunt’s new role at BAT has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as she will now be advising a company that she was previously responsible for regulating as a government minister. Critics argue that this move undermines the government’s commitment to reducing smoking rates and protecting public health.
In response to the backlash, Mordaunt has defended her decision to work for BAT, stating that she believes in the company’s commitment to harm reduction and its efforts to develop less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes. She also emphasized that she will not be involved in any lobbying activities for the company.
However, health campaigners remain unconvinced. They argue that Mordaunt’s appointment sends the wrong message and undermines the government’s efforts to tackle smoking-related illnesses and deaths. They also point out that BAT’s track record and profit-driven motives do not align with the public health goals of reducing tobacco use.
Furthermore, Mordaunt’s new role has also raised questions about the revolving door between government and the tobacco industry. This refers to the practice of government officials leaving their positions to work for companies they previously regulated, and vice versa. Many see this as a conflict of interest that could compromise public health policies.
It is important to note that Mordaunt is not the first government official to take on a role at BAT. In 2015, former Prime Minister David Cameron’s director of communications, Craig Oliver, also joined the company as a senior adviser. This move was met with similar criticism and sparked a debate about the ethics of the revolving door.
In light of these concerns, it is crucial for Mordaunt to maintain transparency and avoid any potential conflicts of interest in her new role. She must also be held accountable for any advice she provides to BAT and ensure that it aligns with the government’s public health objectives.
In conclusion, Penny Mordaunt’s decision to become an adviser to British American Tobacco has caused a stir among health campaigners and raised questions about the government’s commitment to reducing smoking rates. While she has defended her position, it is important for her to address the concerns and ensure that her role does not compromise public health policies.
