Protect public health policies from lobbying firms | Lobbying

From tobacco and alcohol to unhealthy food, there is extensive evidence that companies whose profits depend on the sale of harmful products have repeatedly sought to influence the policies designed to protect public health.

Research from around the world has documented efforts to deny, dilute and delay measures aimed at reducing harm, while promoting approaches that are more favourable to commercial interests. Too often, that lobbying takes place behind closed doors with no opportunity for scrutiny.

That is why we welcome the ethics and integrity commission’s recommendations to improve transparency around lobbying (All lobbying should be publicly declared in transparency laws shake-up, watchdog says, 9 July). Greater openness is an important safeguard against undue influence, and a vital first step towards ensuring public policy is developed in the public interest.

Decisions affecting the nation’s health should be informed by the best available evidence and made transparently. The public has a right to know who is seeking to influence those decisions and how that influence is being exercised. Transparency is essential to building trust and protecting the integrity of policymaking.

Caroline Cerny Deputy chief executive, Action on Smoking and Health
Prof Ian Gilmore Chair, Alcohol Health Alliance
Katharine Jenner Executive director, Obesity Health Alliance