Parliamentarians Support Gradual Implementation of Smoking Prohibition

Measures in the Bill

The bill includes measures to tackle youth vaping, such as:

• A ban on vape advertising and sponsorship

• Powers to restrict the flavours and packaging of vapes in an attempt to reduce their appeal to children

Concerns Raised by MPs

Some Tory and Lib Dem MPs raised concerns about the impact on civil liberties, with Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell arguing “banning things very rarely works”.

Support for the Bill

Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Helen Morgan said her party was “100% supportive” of measures to tackle youth vaping in the legislation.

Key Points from the Second Reading

• The bill aims to make it illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or younger to ever buy cigarettes in the UK

• Health Secretary Wes Streeting said gradually increasing the age people can buy tobacco would create “the first smoke-free generation and eventually a smoke-free nation”

• The legislation also includes steps to tackle youth vaping, such as banning vape advertising and sponsorship, and restricting flavours and packaging of vapes

Reactions from MPs

• Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Helen Morgan said her party was “100% supportive” of measures to tackle youth vaping in the legislation

• However, she expressed concerns about a phased smoking ban, citing issues of practicality and civil liberties

• Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell argued that banning things rarely works and that people should be free to make choices about their own lives

Next Steps

• The bill will face further scrutiny from MPs and peers but is likely to become law

• The government is still considering banning smoking outside schools, hospitals, and in children’s playgrounds, subject to consultation