British law to phase out smoking clears first hurdle

LONDON: British lawmakers voted in favour of a world-leading ban on Tuesday that aims to gradually phase out smoking by preventing young people from ever being able to buy cigarettes.

In the first parliamentary vote on the proposals, 415 MPs voted in favour of progressing the bill to the next stage of the legislative process, with 47 MPs voting against it.

The UK's Tobacco and Vapes Bill would prevent anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought.

The government has said it is aimed at creating Britain's first "smoke-free generation".

The proposals come after New Zealand revoked plans to introduce a so-called "generational smoking ban" that would have stopped sales of tobacco to anyone born after 2008.

The UK legislation is similar to a bill proposed by the last Conservative administration, which was shelved earlier this year when then-prime minister Rishi Sunak called a general election.

Sunak's successor Keir Starmer's new Labour government, however, has revived the proposals, which are part of a drive to ramp up preventative health measures and ease long-term pressure on the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS).

It also gives the government powers to extend an indoor smoking ban to outdoor spaces — with children's playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals, all being considered in England, subject to consultation.

The bill will introduce restrictions on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as restricting flavours, displays and the packaging of e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal to children and young people.

It also proposed a ban on the manufacture and sale of oral tobacco snus — small pouches to be placed under the lip — in line with European Union countries other than Sweden.

The government has also announced that disposable e-cigarettes will be banned next year under separate legislation.

"The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction," said health minister Wes Streeting.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland outlawed smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces in 2007 following a similar ban in Scotland in 2006.