🔗 Share this article ‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa that are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts A letter obtained by media originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed. The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws. Activist commentary “As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner. More than 7,000 Zambians a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates. The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks. Worldwide lobbying patterns The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations. “Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director. Possible outcomes “If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.” 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 visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging. Business countermeasures In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes. The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides. Scented product controversy The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020. The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”. Company justification In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.” Activist reaction The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”. The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he said. “We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.” Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.” Official corporate statement The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.” The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine. “We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”. The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.