The PM of England has proposed an incremental increase in the legal age for purchasing cigarettes and tobacco each year, with the ultimate goal of prohibiting sales entirely. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that Members of Parliament (MPs) would be granted a free vote in Parliament on this issue.
Under this plan, the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products would increase by one year annually. This approach means that a child who is currently 14 years old would never become eligible to buy tobacco products.
The idea was initially suggested by a government-commissioned review in 2022. Chancellor Sunak has voiced his support for this measure as a means of addressing smoking, a leading cause of preventable health issues.
Despite a decline in smoking rates since the 1970s, approximately six million smokers exist in England, and seven million across the UK. The government aims to make England “smoke-free,” defined as fewer than 5% of the population smoking, by 2030.
Chancellor Sunak also mentioned the government’s consideration of restricting the sale of disposable vapes, in response to increasing use among children. A consultation regarding stricter regulations on vape flavors is also being contemplated as part of these efforts.
-BBC-
