UK Lawmakers Approve Strict Anti-Smoking and Vaping Bill

LONDON, Nov 27 – In a significant move toward tackling smoking and vaping, British lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to introduce some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking regulations. The bill, which has now passed the first stage in Parliament, is designed to make smoking and vaping less appealing, especially to younger generations.

The bill has garnered widespread support, with 415 lawmakers voting in favor, while only 47 voted against it. One of the key provisions of the bill is that anyone aged 15 this year or younger will be permanently banned from purchasing cigarettes, effectively raising the legal age limit for smoking.

The bill also includes measures to curb the rise in vaping among young people, such as banning advertising of vaping products and the sale of vapes in vending machines. It will further restrict vape packaging and flavors that are seen as targeting children and adolescents, such as bubble gum and cotton candy flavors.

Labour health secretary Wes Streeting expressed concern over the growing number of children using vapes, calling it a “growing epidemic.” He emphasized that without swift action, the UK could face a generation of young people addicted to nicotine.

The bill will now proceed to the next stage in Parliament, where it will be further debated before becoming law. If passed, the legislation is expected to significantly reduce smoking and vaping rates, particularly among young people, as part of the UK’s broader efforts to improve public health.