LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly evaluating the possibility of implementing measures that would prevent the next generation from ever being able to purchase cigarettes, according to sources within the government cited by The Guardian.
Sunak is said to be considering anti-smoking measures akin to those introduced by New Zealand last year, which include a ban on selling tobacco to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009.
“We want to encourage more people to quit and meet our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030, which is why we have already taken steps to reduce smoking rates,” stated a British government spokesperson in response to Reuters via email.
UK Discouraging Cigarette’s Consumption
These initiatives encompass providing free vape kits, a voucher program designed to incentivize pregnant women to quit smoking, and consultations regarding mandatory cigarette pack inserts. The spokesperson did not offer further comment regarding The Guardian’s report.
The contemplated policies form part of a new consumer-centric campaign orchestrated by Sunak’s team ahead of next year’s anticipated election, as per The Guardian.
In May, the UK announced the closing of a loophole that allowed retailers to offer free samples of vapes to minors in a move targeting e-cigarettes.
Separately, councils in England and Wales called upon the government in July to ban the sale of single-use vapes by 2024, citing both environmental and health concerns.
