The UK parliament is gearing up for its initial discussion on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s proposed legislation to prohibit young people from taking up smoking, despite facing resistance from many members of his Conservative Party. The proposed law seeks to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2009, effectively incrementally increasing the legal smoking age each year until it encompasses the entire population.
“This has the potential to phase out smoking among young people almost completely as early as 2040,” the government said when it unveiled the plan, calling the move “historic”.
Although the legislation appears likely to be approved with support from opposition parties, Sunak may encounter opposition from Conservative backbench MPs. Sunak, grappling with low political leverage within his divided party, is striving to revitalize its prospects following months of dismal polling results.
Conservative MP Simon Clarke expressed skepticism and strong opposition to the proposed measures, citing concerns about potential unintended consequences such as fostering a black market and posing logistical challenges for authorities.
Conservative MP Simon Clarke told BBC Radio that he was “both skeptical and downright opposed” to the plans. “I think that an outright ban risks being counterproductive, I think it risks making smoking cooler, it certainly risks creating a black market, and it also risks creating an unmanageable challenge for the authorities,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized the proposal, labeling it “mad” and highlighting the incongruity of the party of Winston Churchill implementing a ban on cigars. Despite internal party dissent, public opinion polls indicate widespread support for a phased approach to banning smoking in the UK.