British lawmakers approve strict new anti-smoking regulations

British lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to introduce some of the world's strictest anti-smoking rules. The bill was approved after a lengthy debate in the House of Commons, with 415 lawmakers voting in favor and 47 voting against. The bill will now move to the next stage in parliament.

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The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to make vapes less attractive, especially to young people, and to ensure that anyone aged 15 this year or younger will never be able to buy cigarettes. It includes a ban on vape advertising, the sale of vapes in vending machines, and limits on vape packaging and flavors that appeal to children, such as bubble gum and cotton candy.

Labour health secretary Wes Streeting expressed concern about the rising number of children vaping. He said, "The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate, and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction."

The previous Conservative government had introduced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation. However, those plans did not become law before the general election in the summer.

Conservative Shadow Minister for Health Caroline Johnson described the bill as bold and well-intentioned but expressed uncertainty about its effectiveness. "Whatever our views on this bill are, it is a bold legislation of good intention," she said. "It’s not clear whether it will work but we have to all hope... that it does."

However, there has been criticism of the bill, especially concerning its impact on civil liberties. Conservative lawmaker Robert Jenrick voted against it and said on X, "Educate more, ban less. Say no to the nanny state."

The bill will now go to the committee stage before the third reading in the House of Commons, and then it will be reviewed by the House of Lords before receiving the "Royal Assent," a formal process without further debate.

If the bill passes, the government will have the power to extend the indoor smoking ban to certain outdoor areas, such as children’s playgrounds and areas near schools and hospitals. Britain already banned smoking in almost all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007. However, the government previously abandoned plans to ban smoking outside pubs and cafes due to concerns about its impact on the hospitality industry.

The bill also proposes a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape, and nicotine products. Retailers found selling these products to people underage will face fines of £200 ($251). The government will also explore expanding the use of standardized packaging to all tobacco products.

Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, "Tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases every day in the UK. But with strong political will and bold action, these staggering numbers can be turned around."

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