The Act includes measures to ban the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, as well as powers to restrict packaging, branding and displays that are designed to appeal to children.     

It gives powers to strengthen smoke-free protections in certain public places, particularly to protect children and medically vulnerable people from second-hand smoke.      

Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting said: ‘This legislation marks a turning point for the nation's health. By ending the cycle of tobacco addiction for future generations, we are taking one of the boldest steps in decades to prevent illness before it even begins.'

‘A smoke-free generation is now within reach, and this government is determined to deliver a healthier, fairer future for everyone.'

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK, and is a major driver of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Reaction

Tim Mitchell, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: ‘This legislation is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to finally end the scourge of smoking.'

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the Local Government Association Health and Wellbeing Committee, welcomed the legislation passage as ‘a landmark moment for public health' but warned: ‘Legislation alone will not be enough to ensure these measures succeed. Councils must be properly resourced to enforce the new regulations deliver stop smoking services and protect communities from harmful and illegal products.'

Samantha Field, senior fellow (Prevention), at The Health Foundation said: ‘Royal Assent is an important milestone, but the focus must now shift to ensuring this legislation delivers the healthier future it promises.'