Solicitor in litigation case condemns tobacco industry

Martyn Day, one of the solicitors involved in last year's unsuccessful litigation attempt against two British tobacco companies, told the House of Commons health select committee last week that “we will never get a clear picture of what the tobacco industry has been up to over the years.” The industry may never have to face a full trial again.

Mr Day, of Leigh, Day and Company, was giving evidence at the committee's inquiry into the industry's culpability for tobacco related illnesses and deaths.

Judges in this country, he said, are “keen to protect the industry's interests,” while successive governments have colluded with tobacco firms and have failed to curb their unethical practices.

The litigation attempt by …