British lawmakers, spearheaded by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are pushing for a ban on cigarette sales to those aged 15 and under. This initiative has stirred controversy within the ruling Conservative Party, with figures like Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson arguing against interference in personal lifestyle choices. The proposed legislation allows for a free vote, not bound by party lines. Interestingly, a similar law in New Zealand was recently abandoned by the coalition government before implementation.
A potential rebellion against the ban would be a significant setback for Sunak, who already faces criticism on various fronts, from climate change to defence policy. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill primarily targets individuals born since 2009, aiming to prevent them from purchasing cigarettes without legal penalties for the act. Sunak justifies the move as a necessary step to combat the leading cause of preventable health issues, backed by medical experts who cite smoking-related deaths totalling 80,000 annually.
Commenting on the situation, lawmaker Simon Clarke expressed scepticism about the ban’s effectiveness during a radio interview.
“I think it actually risks making smoking cooler. It certainly risks creating a black market and it also risks creating an unmanageable challenge for the authorities,” Mr Clarke said.
Despite facing criticism, the measure is expected to receive backing from the Labour Party. If it gets approved, it will proceed to the next stage in parliament.