🔗 Share this article ‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against rules in Africa that are mandatory in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed. The company is attempting modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws. Health advocate reaction “As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner. Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics. The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups. International corporate influence worries The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations. “There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director. Potential consequences “When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.” The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging. Company alternative suggestions Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes. The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces. Flavor restrictions debate BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020. The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”. Company justification Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.” Activist reaction The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”. The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said. “We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.” Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.” Official corporate statement A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.” The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine. “We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”. Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.