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UK Parliament Bans Cigarettes for Post-2008 Births, Creates Smoke-Free Generation

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UK Parliament approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which permanently bars anyone born after Dec. 31, 2008 from ever buying cigarettes.
The legislation now awaits royal assent.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the bill will create the United Kingdom’s first smoke-free generation.
Official figures show about 6.4 million people, roughly 13 % of the population, still smoke and cause about 80,000 deaths each year.

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Story summary

UK Parliament approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which permanently bars anyone born after Dec. 31, 2008 from ever buying cigarettes.
The legislation now awaits royal assent.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the bill will create the United Kingdom’s first smoke-free generation.
Official figures show about 6.4 million people, roughly 13 % of the population, still smoke and cause about 80,000 deaths each year.