Smoking ban UK: What does the new bill do as MPs vote for ‘smokefree generation’?
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Members of Parliament have approved a pioneering smoking legislation which the administration claims will give birth to a smokeless generation in the United Kingdom.
The bill that caused a lot of disagreement was first mentioned in the speech given by the King back in November. On Tuesday, April 16, it was officially approved in the House of Commons as the Labour party showed their support for it. However, there were still some people who did not agree with it.
A total of 56 Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) showed their opposition to Rishi Sunak's bill, while 106 more either refrained from voting or were not present. Nevertheless, the government allowed its members to make their own decisions, so they were not instructed how to vote. This has reduced the impact of Mr. Sunak's challenge against the revolt from members of parliament who do not hold government positions.
Numerous medical groups and health advocacy organizations have shown support for the new legislation as a proactive measure to combat the leading cause of preventable deaths in the UK.
According to Victoria Atkins, the secretary of health and social care, there are numerous individuals who have had someone close to them suffer from the negative effects of smoking. In some cases, this has resulted in a shortened lifespan or permanent alterations to the individual's overall well-being.
Although there has been notable advancement, it is still the largest cause of preventable death in the UK.
This legislation is expected to rescue several thousand people, reduce the burden on our healthcare system, and enhance the country's efficiency.
Will Smoking Be Banned For All With The New Bill?
The proposed law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 1st January 2009, without exception. As a result, the current generation of 15-year-olds, widely known as 'Generation Alpha', will never have the option to buy cigarettes.
The head of the Royal College for Paediatrics and Child Health, Professor Steve Turner, has expressed support for the proposed legislation, highlighting the advantages it would bring to young individuals.
Preventing children and young adults from getting addicted to nicotine and tobacco can reduce their likelihood of acquiring illnesses in the future that are avoidable. Additionally, it safeguards kids from the adverse effects linked with nicotine dependency.
On the other hand, critics of the proposed law claim that implementing a smoking prohibition would take away the autonomy of young adults to choose for themselves.
According to Simon Clark, who works for the Forest smokers' rights group, the smoking ban for future generations could make them feel like children. He believes that once someone turns 18 and is legally acknowledged as an adult, they should receive the same treatment as anyone else.
When you reach the age of 18, you are legally able to operate a car, enlist in the military, have a credit card, buy alcoholic beverages, and have a say in politics by voting. It would make sense that you would also have the ability to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco items.
This does not relate to safeguarding minors. The law already states that individuals under the age of 18 cannot purchase tobacco products. Therefore, if the goal is to prevent children from smoking, the solution is to target and curb the unauthorized vendors rather than punishing grown-ups who decide to smoke.
Impact Of Smoking Ban On Vaping?
The government has confirmed that vaping products won't be included in the ban on buying tobacco products.
Nevertheless, the legislation will impose fresh limitations on vaping merchandise by constraining the range of flavors offered and overseeing the packaging. The purpose of these actions is to decrease the attractiveness of vaping to young people.
A representative from the Health Department stated that while vaping may aid adult smokers in ceasing their nicotine habit, it should be avoided by non-smokers and minors at all costs.
We do not know what the repercussions on our health will be if we vape in the long run and the substance present inside them, nicotine, can be incredibly habit-forming.
Why Do MPs Oppose The Bill?
Some Conservative politicians have received criticism for their view on the smoking bill, as they consider it “illiberal”. They believe that this bill might bring about a two-tier system wherein only senior citizens are allowed to purchase tobacco while younger ones are not.
Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, both previous leaders of the Conservative Party, have voiced their opposition towards the proposed legislation. Furthermore, Member of Parliament, Simon Clarke, has expressed his negative views on the perception of the bill.
In my opinion, this could potentially make smoking seem more attractive. Additionally, there is a chance it could lead to the existence of illegal market for cigarettes and present challenges that are difficult for officials to handle," he expressed.
The ban on smoking is a significant milestone as it places the UK's laws against smoking among the toughest in the world. The government of New Zealand, however, decided not to pursue a comparable regulation due to political pressure.
The top health official in England, Chris Whitty, has urged the government to disregard the opinions of those who support smoking and work with lobbyists. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, he offered this advice.
Most smokers regret starting but they get hooked at a young age and lose their ability to choose due to addiction. This applies to most of them.
This is why it's surprising when people argue that being "pro-choice" means supporting cigarettes. Cigarettes are created to limit your choices, not expand them.
