🔗 Share this article ‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa that are law in UK British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK. Campaign in Zambia A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed. The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws. Anti-tobacco campaigner response “As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala. More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates. Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through civil society groups. International corporate influence worries The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions. “There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director. Potential consequences “Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.” The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging. Business countermeasures In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted. The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back. Flavored tobacco discussion BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020. The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”. Corporate defense Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.” Campaigner rebuttal The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”. The circumstance that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said. “We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.” Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.” Official corporate statement The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.” The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine. “We champion evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of black market activity”. The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.