Rishi Sunak's landmark legislation under scrutiny
Rishi Sunak's smoking ban faces a critical vote today, marking a significant moment as MPs decide on the future of smoking in the UK. The proposed legislation aims to create a smoke-free generation by raising the legal age to buy tobacco each year and cracking down on access to vapes.
Key concerns and criticisms
Despite the Prime Minister's support for the smoking ban, around 70 Conservative MPs, including three cabinet ministers, are expected to vote against it. Former PM Liz Truss criticized the Bill as a "virtue-signalling piece of legislation," sparking a fiery debate in the Commons.
Defending the ban
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins defended the Bill by emphasizing the importance of protecting young people from the harms of smoking. She argued that nicotine addiction strips individuals of their freedom to choose and that creating a smoke-free generation is crucial for public health and economic productivity.
Expert opinions and reactions
England’s chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, rejected arguments against the legislation, stating that cigarettes are designed to take away people's choices. Anti-smoking campaigners support the ban, while the tobacco industry's opposition is viewed as self-serving and detrimental to public health.
The road ahead
The outcome of today's vote will have far-reaching implications for future generations and public health in the UK. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) CEO Deborah Arnott believes that the proposed legislation is a crucial step towards consigning smoking to the "ash heap of history."
