British lawmakers vote in favour of new anti-smoking rules

Following an extensive debate in the House of Commons, 415 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 47 opposed it.

Updated: November 27, 2024 02:03 AM IST

3 min read

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British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday in favour of introducing some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking regulations, advancing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to its next parliamentary stage. The bill proposes measures to make vaping less appealing and ensure that anyone aged 15 or younger this year would be permanently prohibited from purchasing cigarettes.

Following an extensive debate in the House of Commons, 415 MPs voted in favour of the bill, while 47 opposed it. The legislation aims to ban vape advertising, restrict the sale of vapes in vending machines, and limit packaging and flavours, such as bubble gum and cotton candy, that are designed to appeal to children and young people.

“The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate, and without urgent intervention, we risk creating a generation of children with long-term addiction,” said Labour’s health secretary, Wes Streeting.

The bill follows earlier proposals by the previous Conservative government to create the first smoke-free generation, which failed to become law before the summer’s general election.

“Whatever our views on this bill, it is bold legislation with good intentions,” said Caroline Johnson, the Conservative shadow health minister, ahead of the vote. “It’s not clear whether it will work, but we all hope that it does.”

However, there has been criticism of the bill, including concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties. Conservative MP Robert Jenrick voiced his opposition on X, stating: “Educate more, ban less. Say no to the nanny state.”

The bill now moves to the committee stage ahead of a third reading in the Commons. It will then proceed to the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent, a formality without further debate.

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Subject to consultation, the government may also extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces, such as children’s playgrounds, school grounds, and hospital premises. Smoking in enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, was banned in Britain in 2007.

Plans for a ban on smoking outside pubs and cafes were previously abandoned due to concerns about the impact on the hospitality sector.

The bill proposes a licensing scheme for retailers selling tobacco, vape, and nicotine products, with fines of £200 for those found selling these products to underage buyers. It also includes provisions to consider extending standardised packaging to all tobacco products.

– With Inputs from Reuters

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