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Reform UK’s Immigration and Justice spokesperson Ann Widdecombe has admitted she is “afraid” of what Sir Keir Starmer is capable of.
Speaking on GB News, Widdecombe said the size of Labour’s majority is a major cause for concern.
The party won a majority of 158 seats when they romped to victory at the July General Election.
“I would be afraid of any government with the size of his majority”, she said.
Ann Widdecombe hit out at the proposed ban
GB NEWS
“He can effectively do what he likes. As long as he gets on with his backbenchers, he is all powerful.
“I would always be wary of that situation. I think his instincts are authoritarian and the smoking ban is one part of that.
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“His instincts are, if something feels right, it must be done.”
It comes after it was revealed Labour are drawing up plans to ban smoking in public spaces outside sports venues and pubs.
Citing the need to ease the burden on the NHS, Sir Keir Starmer admitted while speaking to reporters in Paris yesterday that the plans were being considered.
He has been widely condemned as a result, and Nigel Farage is among those in Westminster to have hit out at the Prime Minister.
Ann Widdecombe joined Patrick Christys on GB News
GB NEWS
The Reform leader staged a protest outside his local pub yesterday by puffing on a cigarette while enjoying a pint of lager.
Asked about plans for a smoking ban on a visit to Paris, where he attended the Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony, Sir Keir said: “I think it’s important to get the balance right, but everybody watching this who uses the NHS will know that it’s on its knees.
“We have to relieve the burden, and that’s why I spoke before the election about moving to a preventative model when it comes to health.”
The Prime Minister added: “My starting point on this is to remind everyone that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking. That’s a preventable death.
Keir Starmer's potential outdoor smoking ban has received lots of criticismPA/Getty“It’s a huge burden on the NHS, and, of course, it’s a burden on the taxpayer. So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space.
“More details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths, and we’ve got to take the action to reduce the burden on the NHS and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.”
According to the charity Action on Smoking and Health, in the year following the introduction of English smoke-free laws in 2007, there was a 2.4 per cent reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks, saving the NHS £8.4 million in their first year.