UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Presents Groundbreaking Ban: Younger Generations Banned from Buying Cigarettes
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a groundbreaking ban on cigarette sales to youngsters, aiming to eliminate smoking among young people by 2040, making Britain a pioneer in Europe.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed a ban on younger generations ever buying cigarettes, in a move that would establish some of the world's toughest anti-smoking rules.
1/ In the UK smoking causes 1 in 4 cancer deaths.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 4, 2023
So I’m proposing changing the law so children turning 14 or younger this year can never legally be sold cigarettes in their lifetime.
A smoke-free generation.
None of us want our children to grow up to smoke.
Here's why 👇🧵 pic.twitter.com/pbym3E6cck
If the proposals become law, Britain would be the first nation in Europe to forbid the selling of cigarettes to children. The smoking age will be increased by one year annually, with the aim of eliminating smoking among young people by 2040. Sunak also plans to introduce measures to limit children's access to e-cigarettes. The proposed ban is comparable to the one implemented by New Zealand last year.