Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, about the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The Bill proposes raising the age of sale for tobacco products to prevent individuals born on or after 1 January 2009 from buying cigarettes. This would effectively raise the smoking age by one year every year until it applies to the entire population. Wider measures in the bill include restricting the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children.
In recent weeks, Stephen has been contacted by a number of his constituents who support the move to gradually increase the age limit of purchasing tobacco. The constituents who have been in touch are troubled that 160 cancer cases are diagnosed each day as a result of smoking.
Having sent the letter, Stephen said "I welcome this bill, it includes measures that I have long supported. I believe it has the power to make a real difference to our society. Putting cigarettes and tobacco products out of the reach of young people will lead, overtime, to a smoke free generation. “