Labour's great success on smoking should stiffen its nerve on shifting other cultural attitudes. Look what happened: back in 2003, the cabinet refused to consider a ban on smoking in public buildings. Members murmured about voluntary action by business, which of course never happened. Only after Dublin and Scotland proved it could be done did they finally dare. Now, at the first anniversary of the smoking law, it's been a triumph: 28% have stopped smoking, 43% have tried, tobacco sales have fallen at twice the previous annual rate and there has been a 3% drop in hospital admissions for heart attack. Popular enthusiasm for the ban has soared, from under half supporting the idea five years ago to 77% in favour now. That shows how a determined government can make the weather, if it dares.
Polly Toynbee's right: Labour should and could have been more courageous. I'd put regulation of newspapers on my list, too.
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