A landmark bill to ban the younger generation from ever smoking cleared its first hurdle in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.
The Tobacco and Vapes bill passed its first parliamentary hurdle comfortably by 415 votes to 47.
The legislation, if passed unamended at future stages, would mean anyone born after 1 January 2009 will be prevented from buying tobacco if it ultimately becomes law.
Other measures proposed by the bill include a total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, with a possible ban on the sale of sweet vape flavours, subject to consultation.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was first proposed by Rishi Sunak as prime minister, but failed to make its way to the House of Commons after he called the general election.
While the vote’s numbers (415-47) indicate large cross-party support, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was among 35 Tory MPs who voted against the legislation.
Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, also opposed the bill, alongside other senior Conservatives such as former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith and former home secretary Suella Braverman.
Seven Liberal Democrat MPs also opposed the bill, including former leader Tim Farron and justice spokesperson Josh Babarinde.
Four Reform UK MPs also opposed the measure; Nigel Farage, the party’s leader, was absent for the vote.
No Labour Party, Green Party or SNP MP voted against the bill.
35 Conservative MPs voted against the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at second reading, including Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick23 Conservatives backed the bill, including Victoria Atkins and Mel Stride7 Lib Dems voted against, including Tim Farron and Josh Babarinde (38 voted for)
— Josh Self (@josh-self.bsky.social) 2024-11-27T08:45:16.128Z
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.
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