UK Bill to ban smoking for younger generations clears first hurdle

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plan to ban anyone aged 15 and under from ever buying cigarettes passed its first parliamentary vote on April 16, although dozens of his own lawmakers voted against it.

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Mr Sunak's plan to impose some of the world's strictest anti-smoking rules has angered some members of his governing Conservative Party, including former prime ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson who say the state should not interfere in how people live their lives.

The Bill passed a vote in Parliament with 383 in favour and 67 against, meaning it will progress to the next stage, where it can be subject to amendment.

Lawmakers were given a socalled free vote on the Bill, meaning they did not have to vote along party lines. A similar law in New Zealand was scrapped in 2024 by the new coalition government before the legislation went into force.