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Kennedy caught smoking on train Kennedy caught smoking on train
(20 minutes later)
Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been "spoken to" by police for smoking on a train.Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been "spoken to" by police for smoking on a train.
Police said a man was advised of the no smoking policy on the Paddington to Plymouth train on Friday morning.Police said a man was advised of the no smoking policy on the Paddington to Plymouth train on Friday morning.
They were told he was smoking on board and "refusing to stop", believing it was fine to smoke out of the window.They were told he was smoking on board and "refusing to stop", believing it was fine to smoke out of the window.
Mr Kennedy, who was ousted as Lib Dem leader in January 2006 after admitting to a drink problem, has long tried to quit smoking.Mr Kennedy, who was ousted as Lib Dem leader in January 2006 after admitting to a drink problem, has long tried to quit smoking.
He was repeatedly asked about his drinking when he was still party leader, but would insist smoking cigarettes was his bigger problem. The train manager on the 1105 BST First Great Western Paddington to Plymouth train called the British Transport Police after Mr Kennedy was discovered smoking on board.
In October 2003 he told 4's Desert Island Discs: "I lead a constructively healthy life but I haven't yet given up the cigarettes. That is the big challenge." The train was met on arrival by the police where Mr Kennedy was spoken to about his behaviour. He was not arrested.
Commons ban
Mr Kennedy was repeatedly asked about his drinking when he was still party leader, but would insist smoking cigarettes was his bigger problem.
British Transport Police, who refused to confirm the identity of the man on the Plymouth train, said "the matter was resolved informally".
It appears Mr Kennedy is not the only MP flouting no smoking policies.
On Thursday the House of Commons was told MPs were not obeying the new smoking ban.
Although not illegal in the Palace of Westminster, both Houses of Parliament agreed to restrict smoking to four designated outside areas, although those caught smoking will not face financial penalties.
Labour's Betty Williams offered to show Commons leader Harriet Harman where people were smoking - to be met with cries of "division toilets" from MPs.