If I ruled the world...

...I’d close down the

tobacco companies. I’m a passionate anti-smoking campaigner. My father died of emphysema; he was a heavy smoker in the days before anyone realised the damage that cigarettes cause. I used to be addicted too, but now I can’t stand people smoking near me, and I help others to stop —I’m Children’s Champion for Quit. Not only are the tobacco companies killing people with their products, but they’re also dumping waste in Africa: this affects children’s health too. I’d take every single penny from the companies (much of it currently hidden away in trusts to avoid paying tax) and use it for beneficial ends.

I’d educate the world’s

children. I’d make school compulsory across the globe and ensure that every child got a proper lunch there. I would work hard to make everyone in the world equal through education. Most of the poverty in Africa comes down to lack of education; it’s the most important thing.

DUNCAN BANNATYNE

Duncan Bannatyne OBE

is one of Britain’s most recognisable entrepreneurs—thanks to his role as a business angel on Dragons’ Den—as well as being a philanthropist and best-selling author. His business interests include health clubs, transport, stage schools, property and media. Duncan was given the OBE for his charity work; he supports many good

causes, especially for

children.

I’d give life sentences to

paedophiles. It’s not just the abusers who deserve to die in prison: those who store images of

abused children on their computers are just as

guilty. They pay for them, it generates demand for

more and the cycle goes on. In fact, I think I might even introduce the death penalty for paedophiles—it shocks me that any of them are allowed back into our communities.

I’d crack down on sex workers’ calling cards.

Thousands of these cards litter our phone boxes,

may 2010

READER’S DIGEST . MAY ’10 Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24