"Britain's Tobacco Giant Slams Door on Smaller African Counterparts"
In a shocking display of hypocrisy, British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the world's largest tobacco companies, has been accused of lobbying against tough new laws in Africa that mirror those already in place in the UK. The company's efforts to weaken regulations are seen as a clear case of "utter hypocrisy," given its prominent role in shaping health policies back home.
BAT's letter to Zambia's government ministers, obtained by The Guardian, reveals that the company wants plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship scrapped or delayed. It also seeks to reduce the size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging and remove restrictions on flavored tobacco products – a move that would push consumers towards "illegally traded" products.
The proposed changes are part of a draft bill that aims to reduce smoking incidence in Zambia, a country where more than 7,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. However, BAT's lobbying efforts have been met with skepticism by anti-tobacco campaigners and public health experts, who argue that the company is putting profits over lives.
"We see evidence of industry interference everywhere," said Jorge Alday, director of the tobacco industry watchdog STOP at Vital Strategies. "Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia, and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting on NCDs."
African countries have long followed the UK's lead when it comes to regulating tobacco products. However, BAT's efforts to delay or water down these regulations are seen as an attempt to maintain its lucrative business interests.
"This is utter hypocrisy itself," said Master Chimbala, a Zambian anti-tobacco campaigner. "We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco and harvest it... while my neighbor's children are dying from smoking-related illnesses... that's total emotional, moral, and spiritual bankruptcy."
BAT's response has been to claim that the company is committed to good corporate behavior and supports government efforts to reduce smoking incidence. However, its lobbying efforts have been widely criticized as a clear attempt to undermine public health policies in Africa.
As the global tobacco industry continues to face increasing pressure from governments and civil society groups, BAT's actions are seen as a stark reminder of the company's priorities – profits over people.
In a shocking display of hypocrisy, British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the world's largest tobacco companies, has been accused of lobbying against tough new laws in Africa that mirror those already in place in the UK. The company's efforts to weaken regulations are seen as a clear case of "utter hypocrisy," given its prominent role in shaping health policies back home.
BAT's letter to Zambia's government ministers, obtained by The Guardian, reveals that the company wants plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship scrapped or delayed. It also seeks to reduce the size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging and remove restrictions on flavored tobacco products – a move that would push consumers towards "illegally traded" products.
The proposed changes are part of a draft bill that aims to reduce smoking incidence in Zambia, a country where more than 7,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses. However, BAT's lobbying efforts have been met with skepticism by anti-tobacco campaigners and public health experts, who argue that the company is putting profits over lives.
"We see evidence of industry interference everywhere," said Jorge Alday, director of the tobacco industry watchdog STOP at Vital Strategies. "Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia, and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting on NCDs."
African countries have long followed the UK's lead when it comes to regulating tobacco products. However, BAT's efforts to delay or water down these regulations are seen as an attempt to maintain its lucrative business interests.
"This is utter hypocrisy itself," said Master Chimbala, a Zambian anti-tobacco campaigner. "We live in a global village. If I plant tobacco and harvest it... while my neighbor's children are dying from smoking-related illnesses... that's total emotional, moral, and spiritual bankruptcy."
BAT's response has been to claim that the company is committed to good corporate behavior and supports government efforts to reduce smoking incidence. However, its lobbying efforts have been widely criticized as a clear attempt to undermine public health policies in Africa.
As the global tobacco industry continues to face increasing pressure from governments and civil society groups, BAT's actions are seen as a stark reminder of the company's priorities – profits over people.
They're like, "oh we care about public health" but then they go and try to water down regulations so they can keep making money from killing people! It's just not right. And the fact that they're doing this in countries where people are already struggling with tobacco-related illnesses is just disgusting. We need to hold these companies accountable for their actions, not let them play the victim when we call them out on their hypocrisy. The whole "global village" thing is a great point - if you're causing harm in one country, you should be held responsible for it too! 
It's absolutely galling that a company like BAT is trying to strong-arm governments into rolling back regulations that have been proven to save lives in the UK but are seen as a threat to its bottom line in Africa. 
The idea that they're "committing to good corporate behavior" rings hollow when you consider their role in perpetuating a public health crisis that claims thousands of lives every year. 
It's time for governments and regulatory bodies to take a stand against industry interference and protect the people, not just the profits. 
I mean, come on BAT you're basically trying to screw over the lives of thousands of Zambians just to keep making more dough 
. Like, what's the difference between Zambia and the UK when it comes to tobacco regulations? Not a whole lot, that's for sure 
. But nope, instead you're out here trying to water down regulations so you can keep making money 
. And that's why we need to call them out on it 
.
no way, it's super bad! 
BAT is just trying to protect its interests, but at what cost? 
that's a tragedy. But, I mean, if the company wants to delay those regulations, who are we to stop them? 
isn't it true that Africa is just copying the UK's lead on tobacco regulation and BAT doesn't want to be seen as out of touch with its home market? 
shouldn't they have a say too? 
. Like, seriously though, BAT's got some serious 'splainin' to do! It's one thing to make a profit in the UK, but Zambia is like, super different from London when it comes to tobacco laws 
. I guess you could say BAT's just trying to "roll" with the punches (get it? roll? 
) and avoid some serious scrutiny. But honestly, who needs that kind of stress in their life?
. I mean, come on, they're essentially saying that profits take precedence over human lives - that's just not right 
. The fact that they want to weaken regulations around tobacco advertising and sponsorship is just a clear example of their greed 
. I think we need to hold companies like BAT accountable for their actions and make sure they're not putting profits over people 
. I mean, come on, 7,000+ deaths a year in Zambia from tobacco-related illnesses? It's like they're trying to kill us off one by one 
. Can't they just keep their priorities straight and not lecture us on how to live healthy lives when they're the ones profiting from our sickness? 
. I mean, can't they just put people first for once? It's so hypocritical that they're pushing to weaken laws in Africa while they've already got a solid system in place in the UK. And what's up with this "illegally traded" business - it's like they're trying to sell us out! 
smh bat needs to stop playing dirty and start doing some real good for the ppl instead of just lining their pockets with gold 
! The UK has these tough laws and now they're trying to water them down in Zambia? What's next, lobbying against seatbelt rules or something? 
.
. I mean, if they're so concerned about good corporate behavior, why are they trying to water down the regulations in Zambia? 
. We need to keep pushing back against these kinds of moves and hold corporations accountable for their actions