28 October 2003
Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

United Future to support Smoke Free Environments Bill?

Progressive party deputy leader Matt Robson said today he was interpreting the latest United Future media statement as a U-turn in that party's stance on the Smoke Free Environments Bill.

"I am pleased to see that United Future at last accepts science on the danger of second-hand smoke, tobacco or otherwise. It is well established that second-hand smoke causes damage to other people and United Future appears to be adopting an honest position on the issue," Matt Robson said in response to allegations that he and Jim Anderton were becoming ‘mentally unstable’ as a result of debating Nandor Tanczos on the dangers on cannabis.

Matt Robson said the public debates between Jim Anderton and Nandor Tanczos to be held in Ohariu Belmont, and between Nandor and Matt Robson in South Auckland, will be an opportunity for the public to hear both sides of this important debate. The Progressives are putting no conditions on the debates. Instead, the public can hear the arguments and make their own minds up.

“I am surprised that United Future is reluctant to debate the vital issue of drug abuse and cannabis law, which is so important for families, but instead resorts to personal abuse.

“It is true that I have repeatedly asked United Future to have the courtesy to tell voters before the next election whether the party would support Helen Clark or Don Brash as prime minister. The answer is more important after today’s events, yet they don't trust voters to divulge that sort of democratic decision-making to the people of this country," Matt Robson said.

ENDS