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Public Affairs
WINNER
Smoke-free Workplaces
Cancer Research UK
Second-hand smoke kills around 50 people a year in the hospitality sector, a figure Cancer Research UK believed would rise if the proposed smoking ban did not cover non-food pubs.
Cancer Research said a partial ban would only widen health inequalities. Not only did it carry out regular public opinion surveys, but it encouraged the public to lobby their MPs for a full ban.
The team created a fake cigarette packet branded 'Your Choice', with hard-hitting health warnings sent out to every MP and news agencies, and major BBC and commercial radio.
Petition postcards were given to the charity's Race for Life participants, and a viral email sent to 40,000 supporters. Fiona Castle, widow of Roy Castle who died from lung cancer due to passive smoking, was asked to present the petition to Number 10.
By mobilising the public, the charity enabled 25,000 people to lobby their MPs for a full ban. Parliament voted in February for a complete ban on smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
PR turns the tide of science at Brighton
Royal Society of Chemistry
When the University of Sussex's Nobel Prize -winning chemistry department faced the axe, the Royal Society of Chemistry's media office set up a campaign to unveil the university's intentions.
The team ensured the establishment was kept informed by using material that would ignite press interest. It led to press and TV coverage and to a House of Commons Select Committee calling an emergency inquiry.
The closure was abandoned.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Securing Implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Bowel Cancer UK
AS Biss & Co
Bowel Cancer UK and AS Biss & Co alerted political supporters and the public to the threat that the Department of Health's spending freeze put on the promised rollout of the programme.
Briefings with parliamentarians were secured and MPs were urged to write to ministers and sign Early Day Motions. The issue was raised in five debates in Parliament, leading to the Government confirming that the scheme will roll out over the next three years.
FINALISTS
Airbus A350
Airbus UK and
Good Relations Political
Attacks on Firefighters
Public Affairs/ Lobbying Programme
Greater Manchester Fire &
Rescue Service
