The Tobacco and Vapes Bill promises to create a smoke free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco to people born after 1 January 2009.

Having been cleared by the Commons and the Lords, the Bill, which also includes new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, now awaits royal assent.

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Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting said: ‘This is a historic moment for the nation's health as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill ends its journey throughout Parliament.

‘Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm.  

‘Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.'

Samantha Field, senior fellow (prevention) at The Health Foundation, said: 'With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill nearing royal assent, this is a momentous step for public health in the UK. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable illness, and this ban will help protect future generations. Focus now needs to turn to strong implementation of the Bill and continued investment in stop‑smoking support to ensure its development delivers its full impact.'

 

Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, said: ‘Whilst we have seen an overall national decline in smoking rates, reaching its lowest points since records began, it's concerning that only 25% of UK authorities are on track to meet the UK Government's smoke-free 2030 target. Significant gaps remain in the national strategy to reduce smoking rates.

‘To reverse the trend seen in the latest national statistics, we must focus on clear and fact-based education on the relative risks between vaping and smoking. Without this, we risk not only falling short of the smoke-free target but also witnessing a disturbing trend of people returning to smoking.'

Dr David Crane, founder of Smoke Free, said: ‘The Government's ambition to create a smoke-free generation is absolutely right - preventing young people from ever starting to smoke is essential. But we must not forget the 6m adults in the UK who already smoke, risking their health every day and placing huge pressure on the NHS. If we do, the Government's goal of achieving a smoke free nation by 2030 will be impossible to meet.

‘Having the right support in place for existing smokers is of fundamental importance. The NHS's growing commitment to digital health tools as part of its strategic evolution is encouraging, but we must ensure that innovative, evidence-based, proven platforms like the Smoke Free app are championed and reaching those who need them most. If we scale what already works, we can make a smoke-free nation a reality, not just an aspiration.'