The U.K. government’s “Smokefree Generation” legislation that would have made it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 2009 looks unlikely to become law after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a surprise election. The bill, which had bipartisan support, has not been included on the list of legislation to be pushed through before parliament dissolves for campaigning. Health charities and anti-smoking groups have expressed disappointment, citing the high cancer death toll from smoking.
Cancer Research U.K. has reported that smoking kills one person every five minutes in the U.K. and is responsible for over 55,000 cancer deaths annually. The bill, supported by the organizations, would have also given the government powers to regulate e-cigarettes in an effort to reduce their appeal to children. This would include restrictions on flavors, plain packaging, and how they are displayed in stores. The focus of the bill was to reduce the number of deaths caused by smoking-related illnesses.
Despite pressure from tobacco lobbyists, the bill had progressed through parliament until the Prime Minister’s announcement, casting doubt on its future. Chief executive of Cancer Research U.K., Michelle Mitchell, expressed disappointment at the possibility of the bill not becoming law, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing legislation to combat smoking-related cancers. The bill was seen as a significant step towards reducing the harm caused by tobacco products and e-cigarettes in the U.K.
The failure of the “Smokefree Generation” legislation to progress through parliament has been met with frustration from health professionals, campaigners, and those affected by cancer. The bill, designed to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to tobacco products, had received widespread support for its potential to save lives and reduce cancer-related deaths. Cancer Research U.K. called on all political parties to commit to reintroducing the bill in the next parliament to prioritize the issue of smoking-related illnesses.
The bill’s focus on tobacco regulation and e-cigarette control was seen as crucial in tackling the significant health risks associated with smoking. By banning the sale of tobacco products to those born after 2009, the legislation aimed to prevent young people from becoming addicted and reduce the overall death toll from smoking-related illnesses. The restrictions on e-cigarettes were intended to limit their appeal to children and address concerns about their potential health risks.
Overall, the failure of the “Smokefree Generation” legislation to progress through parliament highlights the challenges in enacting significant tobacco control measures. Despite widespread support from health organizations and campaigners, the bill’s fate now hangs in the balance as the U.K. prepares for a general election. The future of tobacco regulation and efforts to reduce smoking-related illnesses will likely be a major issue for voters and policymakers in the coming months.
