‘Historic moment’ as legislation to ban smoking clears Parliament

Legislation aiming to stop anyone born after 1 January 2009 from taking up smoking has ended its journey through Parliament today.

Under the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, from next year the age of sale of cigarettes will rise year on year, so that anyone born in 2009 or later can never legally be sold tobacco.

The Department of Health and Social Care said that in practice, this means the age of sale for tobacco products ‘will gradually rise over time’, breaking the ‘cycle of addiction and disadvantage’.

Both Houses of Parliament have agreed on the text of the bill which now waits for the final stage of Royal Assent  when the bill becomes law. A date for Royal Assent is yet to be scheduled.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘This is a historic moment for the nation’s health as the Tobacco and Vapes bill ends its journey throughout Parliament.

‘Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm. 

‘Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.’

The DHSC also said that the Government, working with the devolved governments, plans to make use of these new powers ‘as soon as reasonably practicable’ after the bill receives royal assent, so as to deliver ‘maximum public health benefit’.

Analysis by the University of Nottingham showed that the bill could mean that smoking prevalence for 12-30-year-olds will likely dip below 5% in the 2040s, decades earlier than would be expected.

Legislation for this same ban was first introduced under the previous Conservative Government but did not progress after the election was called, with the then new Labour Government later confirming that it will proceed with similar laws.

Earlier this year, researchers said that targeted action will be needed for deprived areas and males not to fall behind as the country goes ‘smoke free’.