A groundbreaking piece of legislation aiming to curb smoking and vaping has taken a significant step forward in Parliament. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which proposes a ban on smoking for anyone born after 1 January 2009, passed its initial stage in the House of Commons with overwhelming support. MPs voted 415 to 47 in favour of the bill, although it must undergo further scrutiny and potential amendments in the coming stages.

If passed, the bill would make the UK one of the strictest countries for tobacco laws, barring the younger generation from smoking entirely. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, championing the legislation, described it as a critical step to stop young people “spending a life imprisoned by addiction”. He also promised to “come down on the vaping industry like a ton of bricks” to prevent the rise of nicotine addiction among the nation’s youth.

The bill also includes measures to ban vape advertisements and sponsorships, with a possible ban on sweet-flavoured vapes pending consultation. Additional provisions would enact fines of £200 for shopkeepers caught selling to underage customers and may introduce further restrictions on smoking near schools, hospitals, and playgrounds.

Despite significant cross-party backing, dissent was voiced by some MPs from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK parties, who raised concerns about the implications for civil liberties. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was among those who voted against the bill, stating previously that it would mean “people born a day apart will have permanently different rights.” Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Helen Morgan echoed concerns, calling the phased ban “problematic” due to practical and ethical implications, though she confirmed her party largely supported the broader aims of the legislation.

Conservative MP Bob Blackman, whose parents both died from smoking-related cancer, called for tougher measures, including a levy on tobacco companies to address their role in public health issues. Meanwhile, former Health Secretary Victoria Atkins joined several high-profile Tories in backing the bill.

While the legislation has cleared its first major hurdle, the debate highlighted a broad range of opinions within Parliament about balancing public health priorities and individual freedoms. If enacted, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill could mark a historic shift in the UK’s approach to smoking and nicotine consumption, with lasting impacts on future generations.

Source: sky news