Nigel Farage mocked for blasting world health experts as 'bullies' over smoking warning... (and did he inadvertently take a swipe at the Pope?)

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has criticised the WHO for welcoming a ban on cigarettes at the Vatican.
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Francesca Gillett10 November 2017

Nigel Farage has been ridiculed for blasting the World Health Organisation as a club of 'clever bullies' after it backed the Pope’s ban on cigarettes being sold in the Vatican City.

Internet users urged the former Ukip leader to “start smoking 500 a day” as they mocked his foolishness for picking a fight with the Vatican and the world’s top scientists in one swipe.

Taking to Twitter, Mr Farage referenced the WHO’s statement welcoming the Vatican’s decision to ban the sale of cigarettes from next year.

The pro-Brexit politician then added: “The World Health Organisation is just another club of ‘clever people’ who want to bully and tell us what to do. Ignore.’

Thousands of people replied to his message, with many calling him “stupid” for attacking the expert organisation over smoking, which is one of the biggest causes of death and illness and kills 100,000 people in the UK every year.

“The WHO also said you shouldn’t take your toaster into the bath,” one internet user wrote. “Just ignore them Nige.”

Steven Dunne wrote: “You’re so right Nigel. And just to show them who’s boss why not double or even treble your tobacco intake so they’ll really know they’ve been rumbled.”

Another Twitter user added: “And keep on drinking. That will really show those people with all their medical education what you think of their expert opinion and how to stop people dying.”

Someone else added: “Yeah, who needs scientists, cancer specialists, doctors, teachers etc. Let’s just wallow in our own stupidity!”

Part of the United Nations, the WHO works to improve public health across the globe. Thanks to its experts, smallpox was eradicated and it is working to tackle HIV/AIDS, Ebola, malaria and TB.

Pope Francis ordered a ban on the sale of cigarettes earlier this week because of health concerns.

In a statement, his spokesman said: “The motive is very simple: the Holy See cannot be cooperating with a practice that is clearly harming the health of the people.”

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