The United Kingdom Parliament on Wednesday passed a landmark bill aimed at phasing out cigarette use for future generations. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, anyone born after Dec. 31, 2008, will never be legally allowed to buy cigarettes.The measure, which now awaits formal approval by King Charles III before becoming law, also gives the government new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including their flavors and packaging.While it is already illegal to sell cigarettes, tobacco products or vapes to people under 18, the new law effectively extends that restriction for life by raising the legal purchasing age each year.The legislation places the UK among the countries with the toughest anti-smoking policies in the world. A similar law passed in New Zealand in 2022 was later repealed by a subsequent government.Smoking rates in Britain have fallen sharply since the 1970s, but about 6.4 million people — roughly 13% of the population — still smoke, according to official data.Authorities say smoking causes around 80,000 deaths annually in the UK and remains the leading preventable cause of death, disability and poor health.“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” health secretary Wes Streeting said.
