UK Smoking Ban Passes Commons 383-67 Amid Tory Rebellion

Apr 16, 2024, 06:31 PM

The UK House of Commons has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free generation by banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone born in 2009 or later. Despite facing significant opposition from within his own party, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's legislation received substantial support, passing with a vote of 383 to 67. The bill also faced a notable Tory rebellion, with 57 Conservative MPs voting against it, six ministers among them, and 106 abstaining. High-profile opponents included Kemi Badenoch and Liz Truss, who criticized the bill as an overreach of government control. The legislation marks a significant step in public health policy, aiming to prevent future generations from taking up smoking.