UK MPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009

MPs have backed a plan to ban anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes, effectively ensuring it will become law.

The measures, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, survived despite opposition from several leading Tory figures – including two ex-PMs.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told MPs “there is no liberty in addiction” as she defended the plans.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by 383 votes to 67.
If they become law, the UK’s smoking laws will be among the strictest in the world.

The UK’s approach is thought to have been inspired by a similar law in New Zealand, which was later repealed after a change in government.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Atkins said the plan would create a “smoke free generation”.
However, several Tory MPs, including former prime minister Liz Truss, voted against the bill, arguing it would limit personal freedom.

Last week, ex-prime minster Boris Johnson called the smoking ban “absolutely nuts” during a speech at a Conservative conference in Ottawa, Canada.

“When the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars, donnez-moi un break as they say in Quebec, it’s just mad,” he said.

Conservative MPs were given a free vote on the bill, meaning they were not ordered to vote with the government. But full support by Labour’s front bench ensured the measures passed.

There are still several more steps needed before it becomes law, such as votes in the House of Lords, but it is possible that the bill could now become law before the general election, expected in the second half of 2024.

Source BBC