PM’s flagship tobacco laws amongst legal guidelines misplaced as a consequence of snap election
- The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was left out of a list of legislation passed by today
- Legislation would prohibit anyone born after 2009 from ever legally smoking
- Penny Mordaunt insisted Rishi Sunak is still ‘passionate’ about the legislation
Rishi Sunak‘s flagship anti-smoking legislation will be lost as a result of the snap election.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which was backed by Labour but divided Conservative MPs – was left out of a list of legislation to be passed by the time Parliament prorogues today.
Sources have said there is no time to have a free vote on the matter as part of the ‘wash-up’ process – the period where the Government tries to pass legislation that is yet to receive royal assent.
Commons leader Penny Mordaunt insisted the legislation – which would prohibit anyone born after 2009 from ever legally smoking cigarettes – was something Mr Sunak still ‘feels very passionately about’.
The ban was seen as a potentially key aspect of his political legacy should he lose the election.
Rishi Sunak ‘s flagship anti-smoking legislation will be lost as a result of the snap election
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which was backed by Labour but divided Conservative MPs – was left out of a list of legislation to be passed by the time Parliament prorogues today
The Prime Minister even mentioned the legislation in his speech announcing the election on Wednesday, saying it will ‘ensure that the next generation grows up smoke free’.
But Ms Mordaunt’s update to MPs failed to list the Bill in today’s business.
Ministers do have the option to revive the Bill with an emergency statement today.
Mr Sunak said he would ‘do everything I can to move these things forward, but it is dependent on the co-operation of other parties’.
The proposal caused friction within his party, with 58 Tory MPs voting against it.
Labour previously pledged to bring in the ban if it wins power.
Last night health spokesman Wes Streeting said: ‘[Mr Sunak] has killed his own legacy by mistake.’
Last night No 10 confirmed negotiations were ongoing about which pieces of legislation would be nodded through before prorogation.
The Football Governance Bill will also not proceed and there is doubt over Martyn’s Law – legislation aiming to protect venues from terror attacks.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 2023 health report showed 12.7 per cent of Brits over the age of 15 smoke cigarettes daily, far higher than the US and New Zealand, the latter of which recently introduced a phased smoking ban
Meanwhile, parliament did push through the Media Bill in a major victory for the freedom of the Press.
Legislation covering a variety of measures across the media industry was rushed through yesterday ahead of prorogation today.
There was relief across different parts of the industry, including among broadcasters and news publishers, after the Bill was finally given the go-ahead. It is now ready for royal assent.
The passage of the legislation risked being held up after peers tried to challenge the repeal of Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act.
The section meant any news organisation not signed up to a government-backed regulator could have to pay the legal costs for both sides in a case – regardless of who wins.
