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Rishi Sunak announced a groundbreaking law on Wednesday to create a smoke-free generation in the UK, preventing the legal sale of cigarettes to children aged 14 or younger in England.
During his closing speech at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, Sunak emphasized the harmful effects of smoking, which is responsible for one in four cancer deaths and claims the lives of 64,000 people annually, with most individuals taking up the habit before the age of 20.
However, Sunak clarified that this intervention does not pass judgment on smokers, and it does not affect the rights of current smokers.
The proposed legislation will be subject to a free vote among Members of Parliament, allowing them to vote based on their consciences. Sunak expressed his hope that the public would be aware of his stance on the matter.
The opposition Labour party expressed its support for the initiative. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced criticism from fellow Conservative Party members who regarded the intervention as an infringement on personal choice.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss announced her intention to vote against the proposal, having previously called for the government to refrain from implementing bans.
The health department explained that this law would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The smoking age would gradually increase each year until it encompasses the entire population. By effectively raising the smoking age, this policy has the potential to eliminate smoking in young people by 2040.
This legislation is inspired by similar regulations in New Zealand, which introduced a law to incrementally raise the smoking age.
It is important to note that the sales ban will only be applicable in England. Simon Clark, director of the lobbying group Forest, which is funded by the tobacco industry, expressed concerns that smokers who wished to continue smoking would seek tobacco from abroad or illegal sources.
Additionally, the UK government aims to address youth vaping by considering restrictions on disposable vapes and regulating flavors and packaging to deter children from using them.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of the charity Action on Smoking and Health, praised the prime minister’s announcement, stating that it would accelerate the arrival of a smoke-free society.
While experts support these measures, they believe the government should take further action. Chris Thomas, head of the think-tank IPPR’s commission on health and prosperity, stated that a comprehensive public health strategy should also address obesity, gambling, alcohol, and housing in the near future.
The government is currently behind schedule in achieving its target of making England “smoke-free” by 2030, with a smoking prevalence of less than 5%. Projections from Cancer Research UK indicate that at the current rate of decline, this goal will not be reached until 2039.
Notably, Sunak’s announcement caused a nearly 3% decline in the share price of cigarette manufacturer Imperial Brands, which counts the UK as one of its largest markets, and a 1.5% decrease in the share price of British American Tobacco.
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