Parliament has approved sweeping new anti-smoking legislation that will permanently bar anyone born after 1 January 2009 from purchasing cigarettes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, now agreed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, is designed to phase out smoking over time and create what ministers describe as a “smoke-free generation”.

Alongside restrictions on tobacco sales, the law will grant the government broader authority to control vaping and nicotine products, including their flavours, packaging and marketing. New rules will also extend smoke-free zones, with vaping prohibited in vehicles carrying children as well as in playgrounds, school entrances and hospital grounds, although limited allowances remain outside hospitals.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the move as a landmark step for public health, arguing it will reduce pressure on the NHS and prevent avoidable illness. Ministers have framed the policy as a long-term investment in prevention, targeting one of the UK’s leading causes of death and disease.

However, some concerns have been raised about the impact on retailers and the importance of education in discouraging smoking uptake. Health charities have welcomed the changes but stress that stronger support for current smokers is essential, calling for consistent access to cessation services and suggesting the tobacco industry should help fund these efforts.