The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is viewed as a world-leading initiative, with advocates like Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health praising its potential to phase out tobacco sales for future generations.

Public health experts, including Dr. Ian Walker from Cancer Research UK and Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty, support the bill as a vital step toward improving public health.

Despite a significant decline in smoking rates since the 1970s, approximately 6.4 million people in the UK still smoke, leading to around 80,000 smoking-related deaths each year.

The government highlights that smoking imposes a substantial financial burden on taxpayers, costing the NHS £3.1 billion annually due to related medical care.

In addition to the generational ban, the bill proposes restrictions on smoking and vaping in outdoor areas like playgrounds and near schools, while also addressing vape advertising and flavors to reduce their appeal to youth.

The legislative process for this bill will take several months, with further examination scheduled after its introduction.

On November 5, 2024, the UK Parliament is introducing a groundbreaking bill aimed at prohibiting the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009, positioning the country as a leader in anti-tobacco legislation.

This initiative builds on a previous Conservative government effort to gradually raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, ensuring that no individual born after January 1, 2009, will ever be able to buy cigarettes legally.

However, a controversial proposal to ban smoking in pub beer gardens was removed following pushback from the hospitality sector, which is already facing significant challenges.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described the bill as revolutionary public health legislation that could save thousands of lives and alleviate pressure on the NHS.

The government's goal with this legislation is to disrupt the cycle of addiction and work towards a smoke-free United Kingdom.

This initiative comes in the wake of New Zealand's recent decision to abandon a similar generational smoking ban, highlighting the UK's commitment to stricter tobacco control.