Former Cabinet Minister Penny Mordaunt has come under fire from health campaigners after taking on a new role as an adviser to British American Tobacco (BAT). The move has sparked controversy as Mordaunt previously abstained from crucial anti-smoking legislation during her time in government.
Mordaunt, who served as the Secretary of State for International Development from 2019 to 2020, has been met with criticism for her decision to join BAT, one of the world’s leading tobacco companies. The move has been seen as a betrayal by many, especially given Mordaunt’s previous stance on tobacco control.
In 2015, Mordaunt abstained from a key vote on plain packaging for cigarettes, which would have required all cigarettes to be sold in standardised packaging with graphic health warnings. At the time, she defended her decision by stating that she wanted to see more evidence on the effectiveness of the policy. However, her decision was met with disappointment and criticism from health campaigners who argued that plain packaging would help reduce smoking rates, especially among young people.
Now, with her new role at BAT, Mordaunt’s critics are accusing her of prioritising her own personal gain over the health and well-being of the public. The backlash has been swift and strong, with many calling for Mordaunt to step down from her position as an adviser to BAT.
In response to the criticism, Mordaunt has defended her decision, stating that she believes in the importance of harm reduction and that her role at BAT will allow her to contribute to the company’s efforts in developing less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes. She also emphasized that she will not be involved in any lobbying activities and will only provide advice on sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
However, health campaigners remain unconvinced and argue that Mordaunt’s involvement with BAT will only serve to undermine efforts to reduce smoking rates and protect public health. They point out that BAT has a long history of promoting and selling products that are known to cause serious health issues, including cancer and heart disease.
The controversy surrounding Mordaunt’s new role has also shed light on the issue of revolving door politics, where former government officials take up lucrative positions in the private sector, often in industries they previously regulated. This practice has been criticized for creating conflicts of interest and eroding public trust in government.
In light of this, many are calling for stricter regulations and transparency when it comes to the movement of officials between the public and private sectors. They argue that this will help prevent situations like Mordaunt’s, where a former government official is seen to be prioritising their personal interests over the public good.
On the other hand, some have come to Mordaunt’s defense, stating that she has the right to pursue opportunities after leaving government and that her expertise and experience can be valuable in the private sector. They also argue that her role at BAT does not necessarily mean she is promoting smoking, but rather using her knowledge to help the company improve its practices.
The controversy surrounding Mordaunt’s role as an adviser to BAT highlights the ongoing battle between public health and the tobacco industry. While the tobacco industry continues to profit from the sale of harmful products, health campaigners and governments are working tirelessly to reduce smoking rates and protect the public from the devastating effects of tobacco.
In the end, it is up to individuals like Mordaunt to make ethical decisions and prioritize the well-being of the public over personal gain. As a former government official, she has a responsibility to act in the best interest of the public, and it is important for her to carefully consider the potential consequences of her actions.
In conclusion, while Mordaunt’s decision to join BAT has sparked backlash from health campaigners, it also highlights the need for stricter regulations and transparency in the movement of officials between the public and private sectors. It is crucial for individuals in positions of power to prioritize the well-being of the public and act with integrity, rather than being swayed by personal gain. Only then can we truly work towards a healthier and more ethical society.
