Posted 11/24/2023, 5:38:00 PM
Sunak faces backlash over phased UK cigarette sales ban as New Zealand drops similar policy
- Rishi Sunak announced a phased ban on cigarette sales in UK, raising minimum age by 1 year from 2027; faces backlash as New Zealand ditches similar policy
- New Zealand's incoming PM Christopher Luxon abolished previous government's plan to prohibit tobacco sales to anyone born after 2008
- Tory MPs urge Sunak to rethink "nanny state" ban, saying it's unenforceable and infringes on personal choice
- No. 10 insists it remains "committed" to smoke-free generation despite criticism, citing importance for kids' health
- Sunak acknowledged Conservative discomfort with restricting choice but feels protecting children from smoking swayed him, though MPs can vote against ban