Sir Liam Donaldson, Britain’s most senior medical officer who has led public health drives to ban smoking in public places and control swine flu, is to step down after 12 years in the role. The Times understands that Sir Liam wrote to Sir Gus O’Donnell, the Cabinet Secretary, on Monday to announce his intention to hand over the reins next May. Sir Liam, the Chief Medical Officer for England and the UK’s Chief Medical Adviser, has been in p ... Jump to full article >>

Hundreds of restaurant and bar workers took to the streets here Sunday to protest against a blanket smoking ban due to be implemented in July, saying it would put many of them out of business. In a series of demonstrations throughout the day, workers and owners of bars, nightclubs, bathhouses, massage establishments and mahjong parlours marched in driving rain to Central Government Offices to voice their concerns. Police sources said around 200 ... Jump to full article >>