Health
British Parliament to discuss anti-smoking law
A controversial smoking ban is being discussed in Great Britain. Prime Minister Sunak’s plan is also leading to internal party disputes. photo
© Martin Gerten/dpa
In New Zealand, a similar law was passed in 2022 and then repealed. Prime Minister Sunak is convinced of the anti-tobacco draft – criticism from within the party follows.
Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s goal is to ensure that no one who turns 15 or younger this year will ever be able to legally purchase cigarettes. According to government figures, the smoking rate in the 14 to 30 year old group could be close to zero by 2040.
But Sunak faces fierce resistance from within his own ranks. His immediate predecessor Liz Truss criticized the project as an infringement on the right of self-determination of adults. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is no longer a member of the House of Commons, said of the law: “When I look at some of the things that we are doing now or that are being done in the name of conservatism, I think they are absolutely crazy.” Winston Churchill’s party, of all people, wanted to ban cigars, said Johnson. The Nobel Prize winner and former prime minister was known to enjoy puffing on cigars.
Strong opposition from conservatives expected
Dozens of Tory MPs could reportedly vote against the proposal if it is put to a vote, according to reports. There should be no obligation to join a party. Nevertheless, commentators expect the House of Commons to eventually pass the bill because Labor, the main opposition force, supports the bill. However, anti-smoking campaigners warn that the tobacco lobby is working behind the scenes to weaken, delay or even thwart the plans, the Guardian newspaper reported.
The draft also plans to make e-cigarettes less attractive to young people. Sweet flavors and bright packaging, which primarily appeal to minors, should be restricted. In a separate law, disposable e-cigarettes are to be banned in principle. The number of 11 to 17 year olds who have tried so-called vapes has tripled to 20.5 percent in the past three years. In the UK, around 80,000 people die every year as a result of smoking.