Smoking and vape ban for next generation confirmed in King's Speech

A plan for banning smoking and vaping for the next generation has been confirmed in the King's Speech.

As part of his first State Opening of Parliament, King Charles said the government would effectively introduce a smoking ban by raising the legal smoking age by one year consecutively. This means someone who is 14 years old today will never be able to legally buy a cigarette in the UK.

Rishi Sunak's plans for introducing harsher smoking and vaping laws were first teased during the Tory Party conference a few weeks ago. A pledge was also made to toughen up against disposable vapes which the government argues is marketed towards children.

Read more: King's Speech RECAP - all the announcements, news, and reaction from State Opening of Parliament

Read more national news from the Manchester Evening News here.

During the conference, Mr Sunak said: "If we are to do the right thing for our kids, we must try and stop teenagers taking up cigarettes in the first place. Because without a significant change thousands of children will start smoking in the coming years and have their lives cut short as a result.”

Current laws state that anyone in the UK can purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products once they reach the age of 18. Previously, restrictions were introduced in 2007 to ban smoking inside public places such as pubs and restaurants across the country.

There are no laws specifically restricting the use of vapes in the UK, however, because they are considered a tobacco product that contains nicotine, Brits must still be 18 or over to legally purchase them. Mr Sunak previously said: "As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends right now is the rise in vaping amongst children – one in five children