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A bill to completely ban smoking for people born after 2009 has passed its first vote in the British Parliament. The bill was initiated by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but dozens of his party colleagues voted against this initiative. This was reported by Reuters.
383 deputies voted for the draft law, against – 67. The legislation will continue to be adopted and may be amended.
Opponents of the smoking ban, which is considered one of the world's strictest, include members of the UK Conservative Party and former heads of government Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. They believe that the bill restricts people's freedom. However, a smoking ban for children and teenagers is one of Sunak's main policy initiatives ahead of elections scheduled for late 2024. Polls show Labor could win them.
The Tobacco and Vaping Bill aims not to criminalize smoking, but to prevent children born in 2009 and earlier from legally buying tobacco. UK Health Minister Victoria Atkins believes this will help create a “smoke-free generation.”
Prepared by: Sergey Daga