A smoking ban for people born after 2008 has been hailed a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’.
Both the Commons and Lords have settled on the final draft of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is intended to stop people who were born on or after January 1, 2009, from ever smoking.
Once it receives royal assent – the King’s formal agreement before the law takes effect – ministers will also be given new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including their flavours and packaging.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the ban as ‘a historic moment for the nation’s health’.
He told the Commons: ‘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 ban, which will stop children now aged 17 or younger from ever taking up smoking, forms part of a series of measures aimed at tackling the habit.
Health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords on Monday: ‘This afternoon marks the end of this Bill’s journey throughout Parliament.
The bill has been hailed a ‘historic moment’ by campaigners. File photo of two girls smoking
‘It is a landmark Bill, it will create a smoke-free generation.’
Under the new legislation, smoking or vaping will also be banned in cars with children inside, in playgrounds and outside schools.
Smoking would also be banned outside hospitals and GPs, though vaping will still be allowed in attempts to support those trying to quit.
Outdoor spaces such as pub gardens, beaches and private gardens will be exempt from the ban.
Labour abandoned plans to ban smoking in pub gardens in 2024 after the move faced a backlash from hospitality groups.
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), described the Bill as ‘a decisive turning point for public health’ and a ‘lasting gift to generations ahead’.
Ms Cheeseman said: ‘The end of smoking, and the devastating harm it causes, is no longer uncertain – it’s inevitable, and the focus now is on how soon we get there.
‘Over the past half-century, smoking has claimed millions of lives across the UK, leaving a legacy of preventable pain and loss.’
Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the ban as ‘a historic moment for the nation’s health’
Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma and Lung UK, said: ‘The landmark piece of legislation will transform the nation’s health.
‘A smoke-free future means the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation.
‘The Bill also introduces desperately needed restrictions on where vapes, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products can be used, protecting vulnerable people around schools and outside hospitals.’
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive officer at Cancer Research UK, said: ‘Thanks to decades of research and campaigning, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has secured full parliamentary approval and is set to become law in the UK.
‘This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking.
‘The first smoke-free generation is now within reach.’