Should public health bodies use firms that support the tobacco industry?

In the wake of the UK government's decision to scrap plans for plain packaging of cigarettes, and the ensuing furore following allegations about the possible influence on that decision of political strategist Lynton Crosby, who has links with the tobacco industry, four prominent addiction researchers from UCL have issued a call for health care organisations and governments around the globe to avoid using market research firms that also work for tobacco companies. In mid-July, the UK Department of Health revealed in a public statement that it would shelve plans to introduce plain packaging of cigarettes, widely reported as a policy u-turn. There was concern about the possible influence of Conservative campaign strategist Lynton Crosby, whose PR and lobbying firm has links with the tobacco industry. Crosby has since denied that he had had "any conversation or discussion with, or lobbied, the prime minister, or indeed the health secretary or the health minister, on plain packaging or tobacco issues." However, the allegations have led to worldwide debates over the wisdom of government leaders using public relations firms that also represent the tobacco industry, thereby giving the industry another opportunity to influence health policy. We could begin by asking individual market research companies who specialise in healthcare and governmental work if they would be willing to avoid working with tobacco clients. If enough companies respond positively, we can establish rules to favour those companies in any contracting process.