Politics: Snooker, rugby and darts tell Tony Blair: treat us like F1
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leaders of national sports including darts, snooker, pool, rugby and cricket will tell Tony Blair today that they should be given the same privilege as Formula One motor racing and be exempted from a European ban on tobacco sponsorship.
They will be meeting the Prime Minister at Downing Street to underline their protests that their sports have been treated unfairly by being asked to give up tobacco sponsorship within four years.
Britain may table a concession to phase out tobacco sponsorship for motor racing in 10 years to avoid wrecking the EU deal when Tessa Jowell, the public health minister, attends a European council on 4 December.
Richard Branson, the Virgin boss, and the Government's adviser on alternative funding, is arguing that the delay should be shorter, but the other sports should be treated the same.
- Colin Brown, Chief Political Correspondent
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments