The UK government has moved closer to implementing a landmark generational smoking ban after a Conservative-led attempt to block the measure was defeated in the House of Lords. Peers voted 246 to 78 against an amendment that would have raised the legal age for tobacco sales to 21 instead of introducing a phased ban.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a 'smoke-free generation' by prohibiting anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes. It also includes measures to ban the sale of vaping products to under-18s, restrict vape flavours and packaging, and introduce a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship.
During the debate, Conservative peer Lord Murray of Blidworth warned that a generational ban could lead to an 'unregulated, untaxed criminal bonanza' and argued that the state should not remove the freedom to choose. However, independent crossbencher Lord Pannick countered that similar freedoms are restricted for heroin and seat belts.
Former health secretary Lord Clarke, a long-term smoker, called the ban 'faintly ridiculous and slightly preposterous', while Lord Young of Cookham disagreed, citing the broader public health benefit. NHS boss Lord Stevens described weakening the bill as a 'grave error'.
The legislation, originally proposed under Rishi Sunak's government, fell when a snap election was called but was revived by Labour. It now proceeds further through Parliament.
