Raising the Legal Age
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is proposing a historic crackdown on cigarettes in the UK by gradually raising the legal age for cigarette sales every year until there are no smokers left.
Who Will Be Affected?
If Sunak's smoking ban proposal passes, anyone under 15 would never legally be able to purchase cigarettes. Those born in or after 2009 will be impacted, while current legal buyers will not be affected.
The Government's Stance
The government plans to introduce £100 fines for shops in England and Wales selling tobacco to underage individuals, in addition to existing £2,500 court-imposed fines.
Reasons for the Ban
Sunak aims to achieve a "smoke-free UK" by addressing addiction and preventing smoking-related health issues with the support of Chief Medical Officer and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins.
MPs' Votes and Reactions
The smoking ban proposal received backing in the Commons with 383 votes to 67. However, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch and other MPs voiced concerns about individual freedoms and potential black market consequences.
Former Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry warned against government overreach, while England's chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, emphasized the need to prevent young people from becoming trapped in smoking addiction.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/angela-rayner-police-probe-multiple-allegations-under-investigation/
