The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would make it an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 1 January 2009 - children aged 15 or younger today. Smoking itself would not be criminalised and anyone who can legally buy tobacco today will never be prevented from doing so in the future by the legislation. If passed, the Bill will progress to the next stage, bringing the UK closer to creating the first smoke-free generation.
Sarah Sleet, CEO at Asthma + Lung UK said: "Today's vote for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill marks progress towards a smoke-free future. It's important to get this legislation over the line in the face of a lot of resistance from the tobacco industry, seeking to protect their own interests rather than the health of the nation.
"It's crucial for the government to maintain momentum and drive the final legislation forward. MPs hold the key to unlocking this transformative change by voting for this bill to save lives and reduce the healthcare burden of smoking.
"Our supporters have spoken loud and clear, in 2024 we conducted our annual Life with a Lung Condition survey with over 12,000, showing over 8 in 10 back measures to combat smoking*. These are not just numbers; they represent real people, including those who wish they had never taken up smoking. Let's make history together by building a smoke-free future for all."
Read the press release from the Department of Health and Social Care.
Notes to Editor
*Asthma and Lung UK’s annual Life with a Lung Condition Survey 2024: The UK Government is planning to introduce ‘smoke-free’ generation’ legislation, meaning children who turn 15 this year will never be allowed to buy cigarettes. Do you support this idea?
| % of respondents | Number of respondents | |
| Yes | 84 | 10,527 |
| No | 6 | 788 |
| Don't know | 10 | 1,234 |
| Total | 100 | 12,549 |