- Rishi Sunak may gradually raise smoking age to make it illegal for young people
Rishi Sunak is considering gradually raising the smoking age to eliminate the habit among younger generations.
The Prime Minister is said to be considering introducing some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking measures.
It is examining the policy adopted by New Zealand last year under which the legal smoking age rises each year, The Guardian reported.
This would mean that tobacco would never end up being sold to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The proposal is one of the options in a wide-ranging consultation on vaping that is underway.
Government sources said Sunak frequently receives advice but did not deny it was being considered.
Rishi Sunak (pictured) is considering gradually raising the smoking age to phase out the habit among younger generations.
Bad habit: smoking – The Prime Minister is reviewing the policy adopted by New Zealand last year under which the legal smoking age increases each year (file image)
The Mail understands that over the past few weeks there have been discussions in Whitehall about how to reduce smoking rates.
Some advisers suggested introducing a ban on smoking outside pubs and restaurants, but this was ruled out as it would have been detrimental to pub trade.
The proposal to increase the smoking age is part of a new stage in Sunak’s mandate in which he sets out his vision for the country.
This week he announced a review of costly green pledges, delaying a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and relaxing the phase-out of gas and oil boilers, to help struggling families.
He is also believed to be considering a British Baccalaureate to replace A levels and fulfill his ambition for all children to study maths until the age of 18.
A tough stance on smoking among children is the latest pro-consumer offer to voters before the next election.
Asked about the New Zealand-style smoking ban policy, a government spokesperson said: “We want to encourage people to quit smoking and meet our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030, which is why we have taken steps to reduce smoking rates. ‘
It came after reports that ministers were considering banning disposable vapes to protect children from the dangers of smoking.
Single-use vaporizers are sold in bright colors and are available in fruity flavors.
And figures from the Office for National Statistics show a rise in vaping among teenagers and young adults in Britain.
Superdrug eliminates single-use vaporizers
Superdrug has announced plans to stop selling single-use vapes
Superdrug has announced plans to stop selling single-use vapes in all its stores in the UK and Ireland, citing their negative impact on the environment.
Brands such as Vuse Go and Flavaah Bars will no longer be sold by the company, which plans to clear out stock at the end of the year. This is a similar move by Waitrose, which last year became the first UK supermarket to stop selling them.
Research from Material Focus found that 5 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week, a four-fold increase from last year. Superdrug also cited the risk of fire from improper disposal of vaporizers because many of them contain lithium batteries.
Superdrug’s Lucy Morton-Channon said the discard rate for vapes is “alarming”.
Ministers are reportedly set to ban single-use vapes amid concerns they are aimed at children.
A Material Focus investigation found that 5 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week (file image)