HUDDERSFIELD'S MP wants a national no-smoking policy for towns and cities across the UK.

Barry Sheerman made his plea hours after Liverpool moved a step closer to becoming the first city in the UK to be smoke-free.

A historic vote at Liverpool town hall saw councillors vote to support a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places.

But Labour MP Mr Sheerman said the issue should not be left to individual councils. Instead, he wants a national policy launched.

He added: "I do not want to let the Government or Parliament off the hook. I want a vote in the Commons to introduce a Bill to protect workers' health.

"I'm not into banning things, I do not want a nanny state. But I want to protect workers from smoke that damages their health.

"They have a right not to be poisoned at work."

Lorraine Bradbury, manager of Huddersfield Smoking Advice Services, agreed with Mr Sheerman.

She said: "What has happened in Liverpool is a good idea - but it is not enough.

"There needs to be something nationally, so that all councils go the same way at the same time."

In Liverpool, the focus of the ban is on protecting workers.

The ban means smoking will be prohibited in restaurants, pubs, shops, offices and other enclosed workplaces.

The city council must now petition MPs at Westminster to pass a Local Act of Parliament to make the ban legal, a process expected to take 12 months.

In banning smoking, Liverpool would follow in the footsteps of the Republic of Ireland and New York, both of which have strong links with the city.

Firms or individuals who break the new law would face penalties of up to £1,000.

* A leaked Government report, The Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health, has concluded that "no infant, child or adult should be exposed to second-hand smoke, as it represents a substantial public health hazard".

British Medical Association chairman James Johnson said: "Britain's top medical scientists have now concluded that second-hand smoke is dangerous to children and adults.

"If Health Secretary John Reid really wants to protect public health he should show leadership and courage by introducing a ban on smoking in enclosed public places without delay."