Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the government is considering extending the smoking ban to outdoor spaces such as pub gardens and restaurant patios, as part of efforts to reduce preventable deaths and ease pressure on the NHS. Speaking to journalists in Paris, Starmer said that over 80,000 people die each year from smoking, calling it a 'preventable death' and a 'huge burden on the NHS and the taxpayer'. He added that 'more details will be revealed' on changes to smoking laws, but stressed the need to 'get the balance right' between public health and personal freedoms.
The potential crackdown, reported by the Sun, would be part of a wider tobacco and vapes bill. Downing Street is reportedly in favour of the measures, which could include banning smoking in beer gardens and outside restaurants. However, the hospitality sector has expressed concern, with some warning it could harm businesses. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called it 'the end of pubs', while Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick questioned why Starmer was 'focusing on this nonsense' when the country faces bigger challenges.
Starmer also discussed resetting relations with French President Emmanuel Macron during his Paris visit, focusing on joint action to tackle small boat crossings and dismantle smuggling routes. Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister John Swinney said Scotland would 'look with care' at any UK government proposals on smoking bans, having been the first part of the UK to introduce a ban on smoking in public places.
In other political developments, Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with leaders of major business groups, vowing to 'co-design' policy ahead of the October budget. Separately, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood announced his resignation, effective 5 October, tipping fellow MP Claire Hanna as his successor.
