Rishi Sunak is facing another revolt over his ‘un-Conservative’ plans for a ‘rolling’ ban on buying cigarettes.
Former PM Liz Truss is among the senior figures bidding to block legislation implementing a rising age limit on buying tobacco products.
Mr Sunak is trumpeting the measures along with a new crackdown on youngsters vaping, as he tries to get back on the front foot.
The proposals would ban the sale of tobacco products to those born on or after January 1 2009 – meaning any child who turns 15 this year will never be legally sold cigarettes.
Labour has backed the move, meaning it will almost certainly be passed by Parliament. However, the government is braced for a significant mutiny by MPs alarmed at the ‘nanny state’ tactics.
Rishi Sunak is facing another revolt over his ‘un-Conservative’ plans for a ‘rolling’ ban on buying cigarettes
Former PM Liz Truss is among the senior figures bidding to block legislation implementing a rising age limit on buying tobacco products
The proposals would ban the sale of tobacco products to those born on or after January 1 2009 – meaning any child who turns 15 this year will never be legally sold cigarettes (file picture)
Ms Truss said ministers ‘should not be seeking to extend the nanny state’.
She added: ‘While the state has a duty to protect children from harm, in a free society adults must be able to make their own choices about their own lives.
‘Banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone born in 2009 or later will create an absurd situation where adults enjoy different rights based on their birthdate.’
Mr Sunak is struggling to quell mounting Tory dissent over his leadership, after suffering a series of rebellions on the Rwanda deportation plan.
Former Cabinet minister Simon Clarke broke cover to warn last week that Mr Sunak must be replaced to avoid the party being destroyed by Labour at the election.
In a broad package to crack down on use of nicotine products by children, disposable vapes will be banned in the UK.
The government will use powers already in place under the Environmental Protection Act for the restrictions which is expected to come into force at the end of 2024 or the start of 2025.
Powers will also be introduced to restrict flavours specifically marketed at children and to ensure manufacturers produce plainer packaging.
Current flavours include pink lemonade, pineapple ice, triple melon and cherry cola, which come presented in a range of bright colours.
Vapes will be required to be displayed out of sight, and new ‘on the spot’ fines will be brought in for shops which sell vapes illegally to children.
Scotland and Wales, which have devolved powers, are taking similar action.
Mr Sunak said: ‘As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends at the moment is the rise in vaping among children, and so we must act before it becomes endemic.
‘While vaping can be a useful tool to help smokers quit, marketing vapes to children is not acceptable.
‘As Prime Minister I have an obligation to do what I think is the right thing for our country in the long term.
‘Alongside our commitment to stop children who turn 15 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes, these changes will leave a lasting legacy by protecting our children’s health for the long term.’
Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘We’ve seen before that sensible measures are met with resistance from Conservative backbenchers, but Labour will ensure these important measures to protect children’s health are brought in, even when Rishi Sunak is weak.’
Former Cabinet minister Simon Clarke broke cover to warn last week that Mr Sunak must be replaced to avoid the party being destroyed by Labour at the election