MP hits at nicotine gum in cells

A Devon MP has attacked police for preparing to hand out nicotine gum to people being held in custody.

The move follows a ban on smoking in Devon and Cornwall Police custody centres last year.

East Devon MP Hugo Swire said he thought handing out nicotine gum was "ludicrous" and a waste of money.

"I think it's a ludicrous idea. I don't see why police should look after people like this because they have a craving for a cigarette. Other people might have a craving for alcohol, but that doesn't mean they are going to be given alcohol."

Mr Swire - who has given up cigarettes, but smokes "the odd cigar" - added: "I think we're becoming a nanny state and I don't think our police force should become part of that by mollycoddling prisoners on remand."