Starmer resurrects Sunak’s tobacco ban

The Labour Government is resurrecting former prime minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to ban the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to young people.

King Charles said today (17), “A Bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes [Tobacco and Vapes Bill].

"My Ministers will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children.”

The Bill also paves the way for reforms to vaping sales and their branding to reduce their appeal to children and young people. Flavours such as bubble gum and candy floss are expected to face curbs as research shows children prefer them to other flavours such as menthol.

Also included in the Bill are restrictions on the packaging and display of other products, such as tobacco pouches, that can draw children into smoking.

Trading Standards officials will also be given more powers to fine retailers who sell vapes and tobacco to under-18s. The Government will also legislate to restrict advertising of junk food to children along with the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children.

Sunak first announced the smoking crackdown through his flagship Tobacco and Vapes Bill last year. The bill had earned cross-party support and was progressing through parliament when the general election was called.

Charities and health experts were dismayed when the bill was shelved as a result. The law would have made it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 1 January, 2009, as well as cracking down on youth vaping with stricter regulations on flavours and packaging.

In its election manifesto, Labour stated that it will ensure the next generation can never legally buy cigarettes and ensure all hospitals integrate "opt-out" smoking cessation interventions into routine care.