The U.K. House of Commons approved a landmark bill on Tuesday with the goal of creating a "smoke-free generation" by prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals born in 2009 or later. This move is hailed as one of the strictest anti-smoking measures globally, reflecting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's campaign to tackle the detrimental health effects of smoking, which claim tens of thousands of lives annually.

With a vote of 383-67, the legislation proposes incrementally raising the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, effectively barring tobacco sales to younger generations indefinitely. While receiving significant support from Labour lawmakers, the bill stirred controversy within Sunak's Conservative Party.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss criticized the ban as an example of "nanny state" interference, arguing that it infringes on personal freedoms. Concerns were raised about the legislation's impact on retailers and the differentiation of rights based on individuals' birth years.

However, proponents of the bill stress the pressing need to address smoking-related fatalities. Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, defended the legislation by underscoring nicotine's addictive nature and the challenges faced by smokers attempting to quit.

While vaping products are exempt from the ban, the bill aims to make them less appealing to young people by regulating packaging and prohibiting disposable vaping devices. Despite declining smoking rates in the U.K., approximately 1 in 8 individuals smoked last year, with over 12 percent of 16- and 17-year-olds in England reported as smokers.

Prime Minister Sunak allowed a "free vote" in Parliament, granting Conservative lawmakers the liberty to oppose the government without facing repercussions. Among those who voted against the bill was Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, citing concerns about its impact on businesses.

The U.K. aligns with other nations like New Zealand in pursuing a smoke-free future through the gradual phasing out of tobacco sales. While the long-term effects of the legislation remain uncertain, supporters view it as a significant stride toward enhancing public health and curbing smoking-related deaths.

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