Shipley MP votes in favour of Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The Member of Parliament for Shipley constituency tonight voted in favour of a government bill that will make it illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or younger ever to buy cigarettes in the UK. 

Anna Dixon MP backed the plans set out in the ‘Tobacco and Vapes Bill’ which comfortably passed its vote in the House of Commons by 415 votes to 47. 

Speaking in the Commons earlier today, Ms Dixon called the legislation a “once-in-a-generation public health measure.”

At the debate on the bill, the Labour MP asked Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social care: “Too many people are dying young from the effects of smoking. 

“They are losing out on being grandparents and on the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. 

“Smoking is a leading cause of health inequality, so does he agree that the proposals will help close the shocking gap in life expectancy between the rich and poor?”

The Secretary of State replied: “My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am afraid that one of my first experiences of death was watching my grandmother die a very long, slow, painful death from lung cancer as a result of a life of chain smoking. 

“That is the consequence of this cruel addiction. People who start smoking come to regret it. 

“They struggle to stop, and I am afraid that the stolen years that they could have spent with children and grandchildren are only part of the cost. 

“Part of my argument today, particularly to some Opposition Members, is about better use of public money and reducing the taxation burden. 

“Other arguments, too, may have some currency with Members who might be opposed to these measures for libertarian reasons. 

“We should not forget for a moment the impact of this cruel addiction and the harms caused by smoking on people’s quality of life, family life, and memories.”

The bill will now pass into the Report Stage and face further scrutiny from MPs and peers.