- Written by Jennifer McKiernan & Helen Catt
- bbc politics
image source, Getty Images
Lawmakers are to debate plans for the world’s toughest anti-tobacco law.
Rishi Sunak wants to make Generation Alpha, those born after 2009, Britain’s first non-smoking generation in a major public health intervention.
Starting this year, people who turn 15 will be prohibited from purchasing cigarettes under the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Bill, making e-cigarettes less appealing to children.
A number of Conservative MPs told the BBC they did not support the bill.
This bill would criminalize the sale of tobacco products, not the act of smoking.
Tobacco use is the biggest preventable cause of death in the UK, killing two thirds of long-term smokers and accounting for 80,000 deaths each year.
On top of that, almost every minute someone is admitted to hospital in the UK with a smoking-related condition such as heart disease, stroke or lung cancer.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the bill would save thousands of lives and “relieve the burden” on the NHS.
He said: “Many of us know someone whose life has been tragically cut short or irreversibly changed by smoking, but despite huge advances, tobacco remains a preventive drug in the UK. Become the biggest killer possible.
“The truth is there is no safe level of tobacco consumption. Tobacco is uniquely harmful, which is why we are taking this important action today to protect future generations.”
Under the plans, Trading Standards Officers will be given new powers to impose on-the-spot £100 fines on shops selling tobacco or e-cigarettes to children, with all funds raised going towards further enforcement. become.
There would also be new restrictions on vape flavors, packaging and sales to reduce interest among children.
Figures show one in five children have tried e-cigarettes despite being illegal for under-18s, while the number of children using e-cigarettes has tripled in the past three years Became.
The bill is undergoing second reading on Tuesday, giving MPs the first opportunity to debate and vote on this wide-ranging issue before it is scrutinized in further detail at a further stage.
Labor supports the bill, which is almost certain to pass later this year, but Conservative MPs will have a free vote and will not be forced to support the government.
Some Tory MPs oppose the plan because they believe it is unworkable, while others oppose it because it is unconservative. Some MPs plan to try to amend the bill further in the process.
Ms Truss told BBC political editor Chris Mason that a plan to phase out smoking over time was “not conservative”.
“We must absolutely protect children from harm and danger while they develop their decision-making skills,” she said, adding, “We are a free country.
“We shouldn’t be telling people not to smoke. I’m worried about the consequences of that.”
This is a free vote, so if Conservative MPs vote against the bill or abstain, it will not be considered a rebellion.
But it would still be embarrassing and potentially problematic for Mr Sunak if a significant section of the party chooses not to support his policies.
Another Conservative MP who opposes the bill is Sir Simon Clarke, an ally of Mr Truss who briefly served as a cabinet minister in 2022.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today program that it would be far better to focus on education and taxation rather than enforcing a complete ban to deter young people from smoking.
”[An outright ban] “Smoking risks getting cold, there is certainly a risk of creating a black market, and there is a risk of creating problems that are intractable for the authorities,” he said.
But Luke Trill, director of research group More in Common UK, told the program there was widespread public support for the bill, particularly among 2019 Conservative voters.
“People like the government to take tough measures, especially when it comes to public health and things that affect children and young people,” he said.
Health groups and charities have called on MPs to support the bill, including Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, who said it was a “game-changing” law. ” said that it would become a thing.
“Decisive action is needed to end this ongoing public health tragedy. We call on all members of Congress to vote for this landmark bill.” added.
Professor Steve Turner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the changes would undoubtedly save lives.
“By preventing children and young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and tobacco, we will reduce the likelihood of future preventable diseases and protect children from the harms of nicotine addiction,” he said. Ta.
