MPs support phased smoking ban

In a groundbreaking move, Members of Parliament have thrown their support behind legislation that would prohibit anyone aged 15 or younger from purchasing cigarettes in the UK.

Initially proposed by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government, the bill was later taken up by the Labour party after previous efforts failed to pass before the general election in July.

The new Tobacco and Vapes bill successfully cleared its first hurdle in the Commons with a resounding vote of 415 to 47.

Despite the overwhelming support, some Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs voiced concerns about the potential impact on civil liberties.

While the bill will undergo further scrutiny by MPs and peers, it is expected to become law, marking a significant milestone in public health policy.

Divided Votes Among Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs

Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs were granted a free vote, allowing them to vote based on personal conviction rather than party allegiance.

Notably, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman were among the 35 Tories who opposed the bill, while 23 supported it.

Similarly, seven Liberal Democrats and four Reform UK MPs also voted against the legislation.

Health Secretary Pushes for a Smoke-Free Generation

Health Secretary Wes Streeting championed the bill as a crucial step towards creating a smoke-free generation and eventually a smoke-free nation.

He emphasized that the measures outlined in the bill, which also address youth vaping, represent one of the most significant public health interventions in recent times.

Streeting argued that shifting healthcare focus from treatment to prevention would alleviate pressures on the NHS, citing the detrimental health and economic impacts of smoking.

Concerns and Criticisms from Opposing MPs

Tory shadow health secretary Edward Argar supported the bill’s objectives but raised reservations about new powers that could restrict smoking in specific outdoor spaces, expressing concerns about potential future expansions of the ban.

The government’s decision to drop plans for a smoking ban in pub and restaurant gardens in England was met with mixed reactions, with ongoing considerations for restrictions around schools, hospitals, and children’s playgrounds.

Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Helen Morgan supported measures to combat youth vaping but expressed concerns about the phased smoking ban, citing issues of practicality and civil liberties.

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell cautioned against excessive bans, advocating for promoting freedom with responsibility and individual choice.

In defense of the legislation, Streeting highlighted the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco, emphasizing the necessity of breaking free from addiction.

The bill also includes provisions to ban vape advertising and sponsorship, along with measures to regulate vape flavors and packaging to deter youth appeal.

Streeting underscored the bill’s intent to crack down on the vaping industry to prevent a new generation of young individuals from falling into nicotine addiction.