Smoke and mirrors

If a week is a long time in politics, then a year must be a lifetime.

Or at least enough time to comfortably perform a policy U-turn.

Twelve months ago, Tory and Liberal Democrat politicians were backing a campaign criticising a Labour government plan to ban the display of tobacco products in shops. Members of the two opposition parties supported Leicestershire Asian Business Association's claim the ban would cripple small independent shops, who rely on tobacco sales for a third of their takings.

Harborough Tory MP Edward Garnier was among those who voiced his criticism of the Labour proposal.

Mr Garnier, who as solicitor-general would be very aware of new laws being planned by the coalition Government, was one of the main guests at last Thursday's Laba silver anniversary dinner. He even heard Laba president Jaspal Singh Minhas call on fellow guest Mark Prisk, the business and enterprise minister, to clarify the Government position on the Labour proposal as soon as possible.

Today his Government colleagues did just that, stating the displaying of tobacco products would be outlawed in 2012 for large stores and 2015 for small shops. The only change from the Labour plan was the ban for small stores starts two years later. It left Laba and its members completely gobsmacked and, as Mr Minhas said today, feeling betrayed.

Whether or not Mr Garnier is invited to Laba's annual dinner next year, we can only wait and see.