Everyone born after 2008 to be banned from smoking

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed a "historic moment for the nation's health" after a law to create a "smoke-free generation" cleared parliament.

The final draft of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Commons and the Lords on Tuesday.

It will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking and will also give ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging.

The bill will become law when it receives royal assent, which is a formality.

Its passage through parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups, including Cancer Research and Asthma and Lung UK.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive officer at Cancer Research, said: "This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking."

Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma and Lung UK, said it would protect "vulnerable people around schools and outside hospitals" and prevent the tobacco industry from wreaking "havoc on the lungs of the next generation".

Read more from Sky News:
New EU travel rules for pet owners
Ex-Hollywood mogul facing rape retrial

The ban was first mooted by Rishi Sunak's government but was shelved ahead of the 2024 general election.

It was revived by Labour when they took power and briefly considered taking it further – most contentiously by banning smoking in pub gardens and other outdoor areas.

Mr Streeting said: "Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm.

"Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain."

(c) Sky News 2026: Everyone born after 2008 to be banned from smoking