MP’s voted in favour of the prospected plan to up the minimum age of cigarette purchase by one year every year.
UK MP’s have backed the landmark bill to ban younger generations from ever smoking.
Following the 2024 election the Labour Government have introduced a revised version of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, following its introduction by Conservative party.
The new legislation was put to vote before parliament yesterday and passed its first commons vote, by 415 votes to 47. Over 75% of ‘Ayes’ votes were made by the Labour Government.
Former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, abstained from voting despite backing the bill under his Government.
While the vote indicates support amongst parties the legislation must now go through further parliamentary stages. MPs will now be able to suggest amendments to any aspects of the potential laws and will gain consultation from experts.
Strong criticism was received from Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Reform UK MP’s, who raised issues surrounding the ‘ban’ of cigarettes to under 15s.
The ban aims to create the UK’s first-ever smoke-free generation and prioritise the future health of the UK.
Smoking is a leading cause of premature death, and according to the charity ASH, it kills up to half of its users. This equates to 8 million deaths a year globally (1).
In 2019 there were an estimated 74,00 deaths attributed to smoking. Since then there has been no update on fatalities. However, between 2022 and 23, there were 408,700 hospital admissions due to smoking. A 4.8% rise from the prior year (2).
How will the proposed ban work?
Under the legislation, the legal age for buying tobacco will increase every year by one year. This means anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes.
The bill also aims to protect children from vaping, including a ban on advertising, vape vending machines, as well as further restrictions on vape packaging and flavours.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, stated:
“The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction.
“It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like ‘gummy bear’ and ‘rainbow burst’.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction. That’s why it’s so incredibly important it is voted through”.
What happens next?
This vote is the government stating it backs the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in its initial stages. It will now be discussed in greater detail amongst MP’s. For updates on the prospected ban and vape restrictions be sure to check out our TECC Blog.
Sources
(1). ASH. October 2023. Facts at a glance.
(2). NHS. December 2023. Hospital admissions due to smoking up nearly 5% last year, NHS data shows.
(3). GOV UK. Smoking ban introduced to protect children and most vulnerable.
(5). GOV.UK. MPS to vote on landmark smoking ban to stop cycle of addiction.
