🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred. The corporation is pursuing amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws. Health advocate reaction “As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala. More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics. Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations. International corporate influence worries It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures. “There is proof of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog. Possible outcomes “Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.” The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging. Corporate counter-proposals Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved. Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides. Flavored tobacco discussion The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020. The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”. Corporate defense Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.” Campaigner rebuttal The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”. The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented. “We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.” Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.” Standard business position The company representative said: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.” The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine. “We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”. The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.