The smoking ban divide: Parents hail Rishi Sunak's 'smoke-free generation' plan ... trends now
The Prime Minister has taken one step closer to the UK having the world's first 'smoke-free generation'.
The House of Commons this evening overwhelmingly approved the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, inching the government closer to enforcing in law that anyone born after January 1 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes.
It would also give the Government powers to tackle youth vaping, with restrictions on flavours and new rules on packaging and selling vapes.
However people across the country remain divided on whether it would benefit the next generation and successfully prevent them from taking up the dangerous habit or whether the controversial proposal infringes on peoples freedoms.
MailOnline went out onto the streets of London, Newcastle and Manchester to see what the public thought of the measures.
On Oxford Street nine year-old Charlotte (second from right), who will be effected by the introduction of the new laws, supported the measures, she said: 'The children of today don't want to be poisoning their lungs.' Pictured (l-r): Kam, 44, Anoushka, 9, Charlotte, 9, Holly, 43
The House of Commons this evening overwhelmingly approved the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, inching the government closer to enforcing in law that anyone born after January 1 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes
Sam West, 34, thought that the implication of a ban can only be a good thing, as 'if you never start you can never become addicted'
On Oxford Street nine year-old Charlotte, who will be effected by the introduction of the new laws, supported the measures, she said: 'The children of today don't want to be poisoning their lungs.'
Similarly Sam West, 34, thought that the implication of a ban can only be a good thing, as 'if you never start you can never become addicted.'
However ex-smoker Tracey, 54, who smoked for 20 years said how glad she was that she finally quit, but that ultimately 'it's about freedom.'
She added: 'We should be allowed to do what we want to do. I have kids, and I don't want them to smoke, but it's a choice.'
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who views the ban as a key part of his long-term legacy, had allowed MPs a free vote on the issue.
Despite the Bill passing its first Commons hurdle, he will still be nervously waiting to see the size of a Tory backlash against the legislation after key figures on Conservative right-wing spoke out against it.
Nadine, 34, also opposed the ban arguing that it is the responsibility of the parents to look after their children and prevent them from starting when young.
'For minors, protect them, but I feel like once you are over the age of eighteen, if you can drink alcohol then you should be able to smoke.'
Nadine, 34, also opposed the ban arguing that it is the responsibility of the parents to look after their children and prevent them from starting when young
Leading experts say Mr Sunak's ban could save thousands from dying prematurely and pocket the cash-strapped NHS vital extra billions
81-year-old Jim said it is terrible that people get caught up in smoking at all as he 'absolutely' backed the government plans as there is no doubt it is 'dangerous'
Leading experts say Mr Sunak's ban could save thousands from dying prematurely and pocket the cash-strapped NHS vital extra billions.
81-year-old Jim said it is terrible that people get caught up in smoking at all as he 'absolutely' backed the government plans as there is no doubt it is 'dangerous'.
He added: 'Cancer is a slow killer' and it is either coming from the 'smoke or the nicotine. So it is dangerous.'
'I absolutely back the government plans.'
People in Newcastle seem more convinced by the Government bill and argue that they wish the law had been enforced when they were
