BBC: MPs have backed plans to make it illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or younger to ever buy cigarettes in the UK.
The idea was originally proposed by Rishi Sunak's Conservative government but was taken forward by Labour after previous legislation ran out of time to pass before July's general election.
The new Tobacco and Vapes bill passed its first Commons hurdle comfortably by 415 votes to 47.
However, some Tory and Lib Dem MPs raised concerns about the impact on civil liberties.
The bill will face further scrutiny from MPs and peers but is likely to become law.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs were given a free vote, meaning they did not have to follow a party line.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman were among 35 Tories who voted against the bill, while 23 supported it.
Seven Liberal Democrats and four Reform UK MPs also opposed the legislation.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said gradually increasing the age people can buy tobacco would create "the first smoke-free generation and eventually a smoke-free nation". » | Becky Morton, Political, Political reporter | Tuesday, November 26, 2024
This ban is an outrage! This impacts on people’s civil liberties. They go on about the cancer risks, but all manner of things can cause cancer: junk food, alcohol, toxic air, etc. And as for causing deaths, cars cause road deaths, and knives, too. Without knives, there’s be no stabbings. Are all these to be banned as well? Smoking can cause cancer, but only between 5 and 10% of heavy smokers contract lung cancer. I am an ex-smoker. I quit coming up to 3 years ago. But smoking was always a great source of pleasure for me. This law, if passed, will one day have to be repealed. When we have a more sensible government, it will be. – © Mark Alexander
