British lawmakers, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are advocating for a prohibition on selling cigarettes to individuals aged 15 and under.
This proposal has sparked debate within the Conservative Party, with figures like Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson opposing government intervention in personal lifestyle choices.
The suggested law allows for a free vote, independent of party affiliations.
Interestingly, a similar measure in New Zealand was recently abandoned by the coalition government before being put into effect.
Potential opposition to the ban would pose a significant challenge for Sunak, who already faces criticism on multiple fronts, including climate change and defense policy.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is primarily aimed at individuals born since 2009, intending to prevent them from purchasing cigarettes without facing legal consequences.
Sunak justifies this action as necessary to combat the leading cause of preventable health problems, supported by medical experts citing 80,000 smoking-related deaths annually.
In response to the situation, lawmaker Simon Clarke expressed doubts about the ban’s effectiveness during a radio interview.
“I believe it risks glamorizing smoking. It also risks creating an underground market and presents an unmanageable challenge for authorities,” Mr. Clarke said.
Despite facing criticism, the measure is expected to receive support from the Labour Party. If approved, it will proceed to the next stage in parliament.
