Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – A proposed smoking ban that was to be introduced by the former British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and then withdrawn has been reported to be reintroduced by the current PM Sir Keir Starmer.
The PM has confirmed that the UK government is considering stricter regulations on outdoor smoking in an effort to decrease the number of preventable deaths associated with tobacco use. In response to reports suggesting that smoking might be prohibited in certain outdoor areas in England, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for action to lessen the strain on the NHS. While specifics are still being finalized, the potential ban could extend to pub gardens, outdoor dining areas, and spaces outside hospitals as well as sports venues.
The confirmation came after a leaked report was published in The Sun newspaper.
“My starting point on this is to remind everybody that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking,” said Starmer to the PA news agency. “That is a preventable death, it’s a huge burden on the NHS and, of course, it is a burden on the taxpayer.
“So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space. More details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths and we’ve got to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and the taxpayer.”
Restrictions on smoking have been implemented in many countries across the and in recent times have become more severe.
Proponents of the ban highlight the undeniable health risks associated with secondhand smoke, which can cause various respiratory issues and even cancer. They argue that protecting the public from these dangers should be a top priority for any government, and that the ban would ultimately save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Furthermore, they believe that the measure would encourage smokers to quit, leading to a healthier population overall.
However, the current proposed ban has also faced pushback from the hospitality industry which had been severely impacted by restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
