The British government is pushing for a smoking ban to prevent young people from ever smoking, aiming to create the first smoke-free generation by 2027. The bill would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009. The plan faces opposition from within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party, with critics arguing it goes against personal freedoms and could lead to a black market.
Key Points
Illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009
Legal age of sale for cigarettes to be raised by one year annually
Aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths and illnesses
Pros
Aims to prevent young people from ever smoking
Tough anti-smoking measures could lead to a smoke-free generation
Crackdown on youth vaping to prevent nicotine addiction
Cons
Opposition from libertarian-minded members of the Conservative Party
Critics argue it limits personal freedoms and could create a black market
Some high-profile Tories, including Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, oppose the bill