Rishi's anti-smoking Bill runs out of time: PM's flagship tobacco legislation ... trends now
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Rishi Sunak's flagship anti-smoking legislation will be lost as a result of the snap election.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which was backed by Labour but divided Conservative MPs – was left out of a list of legislation to be passed by the time Parliament prorogues today.
Sources have said there is no time to have a free vote on the matter as part of the 'wash-up' process – the period where the Government tries to pass legislation that is yet to receive royal assent.
Commons leader Penny Mordaunt insisted the legislation – which would prohibit anyone born after 2009 from ever legally smoking cigarettes – was something Mr Sunak still 'feels very passionately about'.
The ban was seen as a potentially key aspect of his political legacy should he lose the election.
Rishi Sunak 's flagship anti-smoking legislation will be lost as a result of the snap election
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill – which was backed by Labour but divided Conservative MPs – was left out of a list of legislation to be passed by the time Parliament prorogues today
The Prime Minister even mentioned the legislation in his speech announcing the election on Wednesday, saying it will 'ensure that the next generation grows up smoke free'.
But Ms Mordaunt's update to MPs failed to list the Bill in today's business.
