Smoking Health Etc (England) Bill - Clause 1 and related Lords amendments

Welcomes and moves through various Lords amendments, particularly highlighting the elevation of a new Minister to her position. Emphasises that these amendments aim to refine and improve the Bill's provisions regarding age verification, retailer protection, and enforcement mechanisms.

Intervenes to express support for the Minister's role in advancing the Bill. Raises concerns about strict parliamentary scrutiny of age verification rules and their potential impact on small businesses compared with large supermarkets.

Welcomes the Minister to her position and clarifies that the measure will be welcomed by local authorities, inquiring whether it applies universally or selectively.

Expresses a need for absolute guarantees regarding the Bill's applicability across the UK, particularly Northern Ireland. Questions the impact of EU tobacco directives on the legislation in Northern Ireland.

Welcomes the Minister to her position and acknowledges the progress made through Lords amendments. Supports measures aimed at reducing smoking among young people but raises concerns about additional burdens on hospitality and retail sectors, as well as restrictions on vaping that could undermine its role in helping adult smokers quit.

Argues that tobacco is the most harmful commercial product in the world, causing over 80,000 deaths annually and deepening health inequality. Supports cross-party support for the Bill and welcomes amendments like the review after four to seven years to assess implementation progress and whether the regulations are affecting usage and market appropriately.

Intervened briefly, expressing shock that 4 in 10 adult smokers believe vaping to be as harmful or more harmful than smoking. Emphasises the effectiveness of vapes as a cessation tool.

Welcomes amendments regarding fixed penalty notices directing funds to local public health initiatives, supporting mental health patients with higher smoking rates through vape vending machine exemptions in secure hospitals. Supports Lords amendments on regulating filters for environmental and awareness reasons.

Welcomes the Bill as a seminal piece of legislation that puts Britain at the forefront of smoking cessation. Acknowledges the significant reduction in smoking among under-18s from 50% to today's much lower figure due to new technologies like vapes and chewable tobacco. Supports measures such as bans on filters, restrictions on vending machines, issuing fines up to £2,500 by local authorities for illegal tobacco, and advertising restrictions to prevent targeting young people. Thanks the Government for accepting Lords amendments.

The amendment creates two tiers of adults; risks sending the broad message that vapes are bad to existing adult smokers; will change the face of our high streets with store closures, job losses, and compliance burdens; places extra pressures on corner shops, convenience stores, and hospitality businesses; and risks turbocharging an already thriving black market.

Acknowledges the hon. Gentleman's passion but raises concern about young people being drawn to vapes rather than cigarettes because of their colours, suggesting it is an issue that needs addressing.

Agrees with the hon. Gentleman on pressures facing small businesses but argues there must be better ways of supporting them than facilitating children to get cancer, highlighting concern over vaping among young people.

Welcomes the return of the Health and Care Bill, supports Lords amendment 72 for its public health benefits. Questions whether flavoured vapes are included in the defence clause and emphasises enforcement against illicit vaping products.

Welcomes the Minister to her place, supports the Bill for its health benefits, seeks reassurance that it will apply equally in Northern Ireland. Points out legal challenges from EU bodies but expresses confidence in the Government's commitment.

Intervenes to question whether Northern Ireland is subject to the tobacco products directive under the Windsor framework, indicating potential complications for equal application of the Bill in Northern Ireland.

Intervenes to ask for clarification regarding legal challenges and the applicability of the Bill in Northern Ireland, expressing concern over potential disparities.

Expresses gratitude for the Bill and thanks colleagues, Ministers, and officials for their work. Advocates for a ban on cigarette filters due to their lack of health benefits and environmental harm. Supports Lords amendments that exempt vape vending machines in mental health settings from bans elsewhere and include regulatory powers applying to filters. Welcomes the addition of a commitment by the Government to review the implementation of the Bill within four to seven years, emphasising the importance of evaluating its impact. Supports comprehensive definitions for 'tobacco' as it will prevent illegal marketing of heated tobacco products.

Supports Lords amendments 11 and 61 which clarify the role of relevant enforcement authorities in considering annual programmes of enforcement action. Stresses the urgent need for a robust mandatory licensing framework to combat illegal, non-compliant, and counterfeit vapes and cigarettes. Welcomes on-the-spot fines and licence revocation powers as they make it easier to shut down dodgy shops that knowingly stock or distribute unregulated products. Emphasises mandatory licensing as a powerful tool for cracking down on illegal vaping products and supporting safer retailing.

As a practising doctor, he expressed concerns about youth vaping. The Minister addressed his questions regarding illicit markets and measures to prevent young people from accessing nicotine products.

Welcomed the Minister's commitment to measuring success through specific metrics, seeking clarity on how vaping reductions will be monitored and reported.

Questioned the Bill’s approach towards individual liberty and equality under the law, suggesting it does not respect the proper relationship between individuals and the state.