UK Parliament Approves Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed at creating a 'smoke-free generation' by banning cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009. The legislation, which received significant support with a vote of 415 to 47, also restricts advertising and flavors of vaping products that appeal to youth. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent nicotine addiction among children, highlighting the health crisis caused by smoking in the UK. However, opposition exists, notably from some Conservative MPs like Kemi Badenoch, who argue that the bill unfairly discriminates based on birth dates. Polls indicate that public sentiment is divided, with a significant portion of the population opposing the generational ban, suggesting it could lead to underground tobacco sales. The government plans to allocate additional funding for trading standards and smoking cessation services to support the bill's implementation.