Rishi Sunak's Smoking Ban: A Potential Legacy Despite Political Opposition
Rishi Sunak's smoking ban, which has strong cross-party support, is likely to outlast his tenure as prime minister due to its significant social impact and political longevity.
The ban, described as the biggest public health intervention in a generation, aims to nudge society towards quitting smoking.
Even if Sunak is replaced by a Labour government, they are unlikely to scrap the ban, making it a potential political legacy.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed her hope that making future generations smoke-free will save thousands of young people from addiction and early death, as well as billions for the NHS.
This is part of a larger social change initiative, but the legislation is still in its early parliamentary stages and not yet law.
Over 60 Conservative MPs, including cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch, voted against the idea during this stage, despite having a free vote.
Approximately 100 people, including cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt, abstained from voting on a bill.
Mordaunt's decision to abstain was due to her objections to the bill's practicality, implementation, and enforcement.
The source close to Mordaant hinted that this could be a criticism of Kemi Badenoch, who may have taken a more confrontational stance on the issue by voting against the bill.
Even if Sunak is replaced by a Labour government, they are unlikely to scrap the ban, making it a potential political legacy.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed her hope that making future generations smoke-free will save thousands of young people from addiction and early death, as well as billions for the NHS.
This is part of a larger social change initiative, but the legislation is still in its early parliamentary stages and not yet law.
Over 60 Conservative MPs, including cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch, voted against the idea during this stage, despite having a free vote.
Approximately 100 people, including cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt, abstained from voting on a bill.
Mordaunt's decision to abstain was due to her objections to the bill's practicality, implementation, and enforcement.
The source close to Mordaant hinted that this could be a criticism of Kemi Badenoch, who may have taken a more confrontational stance on the issue by voting against the bill.
