UK generational smoking ban approved

Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the vote as a 'historic moment for the nation's health,' predicting it will save thousands of lives and billions in healthcare costs.

The legislation ensures that those currently aged 17 and under will never legally be able to purchase tobacco products in their lifetime.

New regulations on vaping are also being introduced to protect young people from nicotine addiction.

While the ban has received broad support from medical experts, some critics have raised concerns about the impact on personal freedom and the potential for a black market to emerge.