Smoking Control Bill - Clause on raising smoking age by one year every year

Praises the Secretary of State for his initiative, highlighting that ten years since the smoking ban has led to 1.9 million fewer smokers in the UK. Questions why an age escalator is preferred over a blanket ban on those under a certain age.

Congratulates Members for their support. Questions the rationale behind an age escalator rather than a blanket ban on smoking under a certain age.

Argues that banning things rarely works, citing South Africa's tobacco ban during the pandemic which led to 95% of trade going underground. Suggests promoting freedom with responsibility instead.

Supports the Secretary of State's pragmatic approach regarding the hospitality industry and asks about regulating vapes for young people who have never smoked.

Critiques the measure as a half-baked solution, arguing that while it stops people from buying cigarettes, it does not prevent them from smoking by obtaining cigarettes from others.

Congratulates the Secretary of State on introducing a once-in-a-generation public health measure. Emphasises that smoking is a leading cause of health inequality and supports proposals to help close life expectancy gaps between rich and poor.

Highlights a gap in the Bill concerning Spice-spiked vapes, suggesting that regulation of refills should be considered during the passage of the Bill.

Questions whether vapes can play a role as a step-down from tobacco addiction despite their current problematic usage by young people.

As an ear, nose and throat surgeon, supports the measure as one of the best things Parliament could do to promote health.

Thanks the Secretary of State for including Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in the measures, emphasising that promoting health should be equally applied across the United Kingdom.

Edward Argar expresses concerns about the implementation of clause 136, which amends the Health Act 2006 to allow the Secretary of State to extend smokefree places to some outdoor spaces without a risk condition. He raises questions about the impact on small shopkeepers and local authorities due to increased regulations, enforcement challenges, and the potential for mission-creep in future policy decisions. Argar also highlights the importance of making informed decisions based on full details before passing such legislation.

Mary Foy supports comprehensive regulation of vaping and nicotine products to protect children. She calls for a detailed policy paper on how new regulations will deliver against objectives, emphasising that tobacco control is crucial for reducing health inequalities. She highlights the significant costs smoking incurs in healthcare and regional economies, urging the Government to restate their intention to publish a road map to a smokefree country. Foy also advocates for a 'polluter pays' levy, which could raise £700 million annually, and stresses that initiatives to tackle smoking are good value for money. She emphasises the importance of protecting policymaking from industry influence as per Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Supports measures dealing with vaping and preventing targeting of young people. Supports changes to prevent nicotine addiction among youth but has concerns about practicality, civil liberties, enforcement, and potential creation of a black market. Acknowledges personal choice being taken away by tobacco addiction and supports the Bill for health inequality reasons.

She supports the introduction of a licensing scheme for vape retailers, increasing penalties for irresponsible sales to minors, banning flavours appealing to under-18s while ensuring others are available for adult smokers. She highlights that 3 million adult vapers are ex-smokers and suggests new technology like age verification chips in devices as a solution to prevent youth vaping without affecting adults.

Welcomed the Bill, noting that it builds on previous work and resonates with Conservative values. Emphasised historical changes in societal attitudes towards tobacco and cited personal anecdotes to illustrate past laxity in tobacco sales regulations. Highlighted concerns about over-regulation and unnecessary burdens for retailers while urging a robust approach against vaping that addresses market demand and smuggling issues.

[Intervention] Raised concerns about supply and demand dynamics, questioning whether society should be one where children can freely purchase items or if stricter measures are necessary to control behaviour. Implored Members to consider the kind of country they wish to live in.

[Intervention] Stated his belief in a free society and personal choice, while also supporting education rather than imposition. Raised concerns about state governance over individual life choices.

[Intervention] Argued that it is the Government's duty to provide information on health risks and promote healthy choices, highlighting the financial burden of treating illnesses. Suggested this approach was not about a nanny state but nudging people towards better decisions.

Mr. Osborne supports the Bill, citing previous Labour government legislation that improved public health by banning smoking in workplaces. He highlights that smoking is one of the leading causes of death, claiming 80,000 lives annually and costing the NHS billions of pounds. Mr. Osborne argues that age restrictions on alcohol sales are a precedent for similar restrictions on vaping products. He notes the negative impact of vaping on young people and schools, and supports the Bill’s removal of disposable single-use vapes to prevent them from being seen as a gateway to other drugs. He also mentions environmental concerns related to discarded vape devices and welcomes the licensing regime proposed by the Bill.

Mr. Rosindell interjected, asking if Mr. Osborne would also ban alcohol and unhealthy foods like chocolate.

Ms. Slade interjected, questioning the feasibility of the upper-age escalator in Clause 15, particularly regarding who would be allowed to sell tobacco products when sellers are born after 2009.

He supports the Bill's measures to control tobacco and e-cigarettes, advocating for mandatory age verification in purchases. He also calls for funding continuance of successful schemes like 'swap to stop' and national financial incentives for pregnant women to quit smoking.

Welcomes the Bill as a means to create a smokefree generation. Noted declining smoking rates among young people and adults in Suffolk, but highlighted an increase in vaping among children. Supports banning disposable vapes and restricting advertising to protect children from addiction.

Supports the Bill's measures on vaping regulation but questions the ban on tobacco sales for those born after 2009. Expresses concern about potential black markets and the principle of individual freedom. Supports public health initiatives rather than outright bans.

[INTERVENTION]: Agrees with the need for further consideration on safety issues related to vapes, especially concerning young people. Emphasises uncertainty about long-term effects of vaping on both adults and children.

The speaker supports the Bill, emphasising its role in reducing smoking and vaping among young people. She praises public health professionals for their efforts over decades to ban smoking in public places. Beccy mentions that about 350 young adults start smoking daily and 160 are diagnosed with cancer caused by smoking annually. The Bill aims to phase out tobacco sales and create a smokefree generation, expecting smoking rates among 14-30-year-olds to reach zero by 2050. She also supports the increased powers in the Bill to regulate vaping products aimed at young people.

The speaker supports the Bill, particularly part 2 which relates to Scotland. He highlights that smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in both Scotland and the UK. Seamus raises concerns about the rise in actors using cigarettes in TV shows and films as a form of product placement for tobacco companies. He praises Scotland's leadership on smoking controls and supports the new minimum age regime for tobacco sales, which will aid the goal of a smokefree Scotland by 2034. Additionally, he commends the SNP’s support for measures to regulate vaping products aimed at young people.

The Bill will protect constituents from avoidable illnesses and death, phase out harmful addiction and free the next generation from pressures and trends that lead to addictions. Local efforts like the LifeLab project improve health education of young people through practical visits and research processes.

While supporting the Government's strong stance on tobacco and protecting children, there is a serious issue of Spice-spiked refillable vapes in schools which should be addressed. These vapes are refillable, contain synthetic drugs like Spice, and can cause dangerous health conditions. Banning disposable vapes alone will not solve this problem; efforts to strengthen the Bill are needed.

The regulation of vaping in the bill is crucial for reducing harm from tobacco and protecting young people. While vaping aids adults in quitting smoking, youth vaping has significantly increased with products targeting children through packaging, flavours and marketing. The Secretary of State's power to require producers to study ingredients will help demonstrate long-term effects.

Supports the bill, citing strong public health benefits for Northern Ireland. Mentions that measures received significant support in a consultation exercise, with 79% of respondents from Northern Ireland supporting smokefree generation proposals. Emphasises the need to address health inequalities caused by tobacco use and supports efforts to dissuade young people from taking up smoking.

Supports the bill, highlighting its importance in delivering on the Government's manifesto commitment. Mentions that tobacco causes 3,100 cancer cases annually in Wales and outlines steps taken by the Welsh Government to control tobacco use. Calls for stricter regulations on vaping and advertising to protect children from nicotine addiction.

Supports the Bill despite scepticism about enforceability of age escalator due to Northern Ireland's adherence to EU tobacco directive. Raises concerns that the Bill might be unenforceable in Northern Ireland because it conflicts with EU law under the Windsor framework, citing Denmark and Irish Republic cases where similar legislation was withdrawn or not implemented.

Supports the Bill as it delivers on manifesto commitment to reduce smoking rates. Cites statistics showing high death toll and financial burden of smoking in Kent, arguing for legislation's necessity. Emphasises public support for measures and the potential health benefits from preventing thousands of cases of diseases by raising age of sale gradually.

Supports the ambition of a smokefree society, noting smoking causes 80,000 deaths per year and costs £22 billion annually. Concerned about retailers' ability to enforce age escalator proposals and suggests an alternative approach where age increases uniformly rather than based on birth date. Criticises the inclusion of vapes alongside tobacco in the Bill. Supports banning disposable vapes but warns that clause 92 could go too far by potentially banning flavours under future statutory instruments, citing evidence showing flavoured products are twice as effective for smoking cessation.

Supports the Bill to address smoking and youth vaping crises. In Bolton, 14% of population smoke above national average; between 2017-2019, smoking claimed 1,147 lives. Smoking imposes an economic burden with nearly £100 million lost annually in productivity and healthcare costs. Concerned about the availability and marketing of vape products targeting children, noting that flavoured vapes are often illegal and unregulated. Supports measures to tackle black market while protecting legitimate businesses.

Supports the Bill as an absolute right thing to do for future generations, aiming to consign smoking to history. Argues that given the statistics around smoking deaths and costs, it is clear this decision is necessary. Considers arguments about freedom of choice confusing and believes drawing the line on smoking is justified.

Supports the Health Bill as it will help reduce smoking-related illnesses and deaths. The amendment aims to introduce a generational ban on purchasing tobacco for anyone born after 1 January 2009, new regulations extending smokefree areas to schools and hospitals, restrictions on oral tobacco products, and measures regulating vaping products.

Supports the Bill's measures regarding illegal tobacco. He notes that illegal cigarettes not only deprive the Exchequer of funds but also pose a risk to public safety, as they are less likely to extinguish properly.

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Supports the Bill, particularly measures to tackle vaping among children. Expresses concerns about practical enforcement of age-of-sale restrictions but ultimately supports the overall aim.

Welcomes the Bill as an opportunity to save lives, reduce poverty, and create a healthier and more equal society. Emphasises that eradicating smoking could benefit Greater Manchester’s economy by over £2.5 billion annually.

Suggests mobilising former smokers to help others quit as a strategy for reducing smoking rates, citing personal experience with quitting.

Questions the adequacy of fines proposed in the Bill, suggesting they should be raised by at least inflation each year to maintain effectiveness.

Highlights that adding tobacco licensing to existing local government functions would not present a significant bureaucratic hurdle, suggesting it could be easily integrated into current systems.

Reiterates the support from local government for the Bill and addresses concerns about potential pressures on local authorities, indicating that fears are unfounded.

Calls for interdepartmental work with the Department for Education to ensure discussions about smoking prevention begin in primary schools and continue throughout education.

Inquires if the UK-wide Bill will impact Scottish constituents and requests confirmation of discussions with the Scottish Government regarding implementation north of the border.