‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa that are law in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover 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.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules 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 cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.