UK passes generational smoking ban

In a historic move for public health, the UK Parliament has approved the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, creating a 'smoke-free generation.' The law progressively raises the legal age for buying tobacco by one year every year, ensuring that today's children can never legally purchase cigarettes.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the decision as a vital step in reducing preventable deaths and easing the long-term burden on the NHS. The legislation also introduces stricter regulations on vaping products to curb their appeal to young people.