UK Lawmakers Back Landmark Bill To Gradually Phase Out Smoking For Good

British government’s plan for a landmark smoking ban that aims to stop young people from ever smoking cleared its first hurdle in Parliament despite vocal opposition from within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party. The bill would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009. 

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by 383 votes to 67 yesterday. If it becomes law, the UK’s smoking laws will be among the strictest in the world. Authorities say it will create modern Britain’s first smoke-free generation. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, children turning 15 this year or younger will never be legally sold tobacco. 

Once implemented – officials are aiming for 2027 – the legal age of sale that people in England can buy cigarettes will be raised by one year, every year until it is eventually illegal for the whole population. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told MPs “There is no liberty in addiction” as she defended the plans. 

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UK’s approach is thought to have been inspired by a similar law in New Zealand, which was later repealed after a change in government. 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. 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. Mr Sunak used his conference speech in October of last year to unveil his plans to ban people born after 1 January 2009 from buying tobacco products.