David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East votes against Labour's new Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

A vote in Parliament took place on Tuesday (November 26), If it becomes law, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make sure that people born on or after 1 January 2009 can never legally be sold tobacco in their lifetime. 

Mr Reed explained his decision to vote against the Tobacco and Vapes Bill during its second reading.

The proposed legislation seeks to ban the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2009, as part of efforts to create a "smoke-free generation."

David said: "Prohibition is ineffective. History shows that bans do not eliminate demand but drive products into unregulated black markets, benefitting criminals and compromising public health."

"He called for a more comprehensive approach, advocating for higher taxation on tobacco and better education on smoking risks to empower individuals to make informed choices.

He also stressed the importance of respecting personal freedoms: "The state should not interfere with private lifestyle decisions.

"Public health policies must avoid becoming 'nanny state' interventions."

David reaffirmed his commitment to reducing smoking rates through policies that tackle root causes while protecting individual autonomy.

With the Second Reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill taking place in Parliament. As part of this, MPs were able to vote on the Bill for the first time.  

MPs voted 415 to 47 in favour of the Bill – a majority of 368. Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care bought forward the bill to Parliament earlier this month after the general election in July.