Smokers and overweight people must not lose their right to treatment as a consequence of Government proposals to introduce patient contracts.

Commenting on the proposal Mark Littlewood, Liberty's Director of Campaigns said: ' Of course doctors must involve patients in their treatment but they cannot be allowed to refuse help to those who find it difficult to cut down on cigarettes or to change their diet.

'I'm relieved that the Government is insisting the contracts will not be legally binding but why then are they being proposed in the first place?
There isn't a doctor in the country who doesn't already explain to patients the health risks associated with tobacco and a poor diet.'