People would also be stopped smoking, vaping or using heated tobacco in public playgrounds and education settings in England under the proposals. 

Indoor spaces, where smoking is already banned, would also become vape-free and heated tobacco-free, subject to consultation.  

Outdoor hospitality settings, including pub gardens, and open public spaces are not included in the proposals. Private homes and private outdoor spaces are also out of scope.   

The consultation will also seek views on setting outdoor boundaries, exemptions, designated smoking areas and how to inform people of restrictions to ensure the rules are proportionate and workable. 

These proposals form part of the government's 10-Year Health Plan to shift the focus of the NHS from sickness to prevention, tackling the root causes of ill health and reducing long-term pressure on services.

Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, said: ‘No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke.

‘Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.   

‘Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.'

There will be a minimum of six months between any regulations being made and them coming into force, with guidance available on how to make sure people are aware of and follow the rules.

Enforcement would mirror existing smoke-free laws, where compliance has historically been extremely high.  

Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England said:  ‘People who do not smoke but who are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health, including an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke and heart disease. The health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions.

‘No smoker wants to harm people, but with second-hand smoke they do – and these measures would reduce the harm second-hand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society.'

Peter Roderick, spokesperson for adddiction for the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: ‘Smoking doesn't just kill smokers. It also kills non-smokers, and causes a range of illnesses, including cancers, heart, and lung diseases that affect adults and children alike, and is linked to stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome.

‘We know that these numbers have decreased since the introduction of restrictions on smoking in public places. Introducing more smoke-free spaces will save even more lives, protect future generations, and give freedom to live a healthier life to the 88% of people – including thousands of medically vulnerable people – who don't smoke. These changes are not only needed, but they also have strong public support and it is vital that we make them happen as soon as possible.'