Proposals to create a “smoke-free generation” have moved a step closer to becoming law as the House of Commons overwhelmingly backed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The legislation, which seeks to gradually raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products, passed its third reading with a majority of 325, as MPs voted 366 to 41 in favour of the Bill.
The landmark measure would prohibit anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever legally buying tobacco, effectively phasing out smoking for future generations. It also includes strict new regulations on vaping, banning the sale of vapes and other nicotine products to under-18s while granting ministers the power to regulate flavours, packaging, and advertising to curb their appeal to children.
Comprehensive restrictions on tobacco and vaping
As part of its broader public health strategy, the Government aims to crack down on the marketing of vaping products, which have increasingly targeted young people. The Bill proposes a total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship in areas visible to children and young people, including buses, cinemas, and shop windows.
Health minister Ashley Dalton hailed the vote as a crucial milestone in the Government’s efforts to tackle smoking-related harm. Speaking in the Commons, she said:
“This Bill is the next step in a long history of action on tobacco.”
Ms Dalton also expressed gratitude to former prime minister Rishi Sunak for his role in championing the initiative, describing the legislation as an even stronger version of previous proposals aimed at reducing smoking rates and curbing youth vaping.
Public health campaigners welcomed the move, with Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), stating:
“Today, MPs have taken a major step forward on the journey to end the harm caused by smoking for good.”
Divisions among conservative MPs
Despite broad cross-party support, the Bill sparked dissent within Conservative ranks. Notably, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt voted in favour, while ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman was among those who opposed it.
A key area of contention was whether the legislation could pave the way for future restrictions on smoking in hospitality settings. The Government has previously distanced itself from such measures after concerns were raised by the hospitality industry.
During the Bill’s report stage, Ms Dalton assured MPs that extending smoking bans to pub gardens and outdoor restaurant areas was “not being considered at this time.”
Nonetheless, the Bill does propose banning smoking outside schools, children’s playgrounds, and hospitals. A Conservative amendment seeking to prevent the inclusion of hospitality settings in future smoke-free laws was defeated by 303 votes to 92, a majority of 211.
Nigel Farage condemns ‘nanny state’ approach
The Bill faced strong opposition from some quarters, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage lambasting what he described as a moralistic and authoritarian approach.
Addressing MPs, Mr Farage criticised what he saw as an excessive intrusion into personal freedoms, remarking:
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“I have to say, I find the tone of moral superiority in this chamber this afternoon almost unbearable.
“There are some of us that like a smoke. We even go for a few pints at a pub, we have a punt on the horses. I even attempt to have the odd doughnut, I know that’s really perhaps the naughtiest of all.
“Because we want to have fun. We want to make our own minds up. You can educate us, you can tell us, you can give us the facts, but the idea that this place should make those decisions for other people, well, it sort of shows me that the spirit of Oliver Cromwell is alive and well.”
Next steps: House of lords scrutiny
Having cleared the Commons, the Bill will now move to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. If approved, it will mark one of the most significant public health interventions in modern British history, aiming to create a future where smoking is virtually eliminated.
The Government argues that the legislation is necessary to reduce the strain on the NHS, improve public health outcomes, and prevent young people from developing lifelong nicotine addictions. However, critics, including some libertarian-leaning MPs and business groups, warn of unintended consequences, such as the potential growth of black-market tobacco sales.
With strong parliamentary backing and growing public support for stricter smoking regulations, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill appears on course to become law, setting the UK on a path to its most ambitious anti-smoking policy to date.
