Analysis: Is the legacy of Margaret Thatcher driving the push for a comprehensive smoking ban?

Editor’s Note: Holly Thomas is a writer and editor based in London. She is the morning editor at Katie Couric Media and can be found on Twitter @HolstaT. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. For more opinions, visit CNN.

Last week, Boris Johnson, the former UK Prime Minister, delighted a Canadian audience with his usual confident and outspoken style.

"He complained about the Winston Churchill party wanting to ban cigars. 'Give me a break,' as they say in Quebec. It's just crazy."

His frustration stemmed from the UK smoking ban proposal, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party Conference last October. The ban went through its second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.

The House voted in favor of the plan by a large margin of 383 to 67, successfully passing the bill through its first parliamentary hurdle.

According to the proposed bill, individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, would be prohibited from purchasing tobacco products. This would lead to a gradual increase in the legal smoking age each year, resulting in today's 15-year-olds never being able to legally buy cigarettes.

Second World War-era Conservative British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, is also one of history's most famous cigar smokers.

Second World War-era Conservative British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, is also one of history's most famous cigar smokers.

A recent survey conducted in February by YouGov for the charity Action on Smoking and Health revealed that there is widespread support for a potential smoking ban in the UK. According to the survey, 71% of adults are in favor of the idea of making Britain a smoke-free country, while only 12% are opposed. Personally, I believe that this initiative has the potential to save many lives and ease the burden on the National Health Service (NHS). However, whether this positive sentiment will be enough to overcome the challenges that lie ahead remains uncertain.

Johnson may have used a common phrase in British politics (his interest in Churchill’s legacy rivals his fascination with himself), but this time, it's somewhat relevant. Conservative backbenchers led by former Prime Minister Liz Truss have criticized the proposed bill as “profoundly unconservative,” stating that it “only supports those who want to restrict freedom.”

This is a crucial issue, regardless of one's political beliefs. Smoking isn’t just a cool teenage activity shown in series like “Skins” and “Euphoria.” For some, it symbolizes bodily independence. The health advantages of quitting smoking, or better yet, never starting, are undeniable. However, many have assessed the risks of smoking over the years and decided it's worth it. As adults, we have the right to indulge in activities that may ultimately harm us, whether it's raising a toast, enjoying sugary birthday cakes, driving a car, participating in extreme sports, or other risky behaviors. It's our time, our money, and our health to manage as we see fit.

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One challenging aspect to consider is how much we should limit our own pleasures for the benefit of others. For example, the UK's ban on indoor smoking in public places in 2007 had a significant impact because it greatly reduced the exposure of children to second-hand smoke. This was a cause that even dedicated smokers could support. It's one thing to smoke outdoors, but it's another thing to do so in a crowded restaurant, potentially harming the health of those around us.

Another factor to think about is money. Last year, New Zealand's conservative National Party proposed a phased ban on smoking, but they decided to reverse it before it took effect in order to finance tax cuts. In the 1920s, when Prohibition was enacted in America through the 18th Amendment, banning the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol, many people refused to follow the law. This led to a thriving illegal alcohol market and a rise in gang violence. The government lost $11 billion in tax revenue and spent over $300 million on enforcement, which eventually led to the repeal of the Amendment in 1933.

Smoking costs the NHS a whopping £2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) annually, which is about 2% of the health service's budget. Cancer Research UK projects that in 2022, the total cost of smoking to public finances reached £20.6 billion ($25.7 billion). This is due to a decrease in tax revenue, increased benefits payments, unemployment, and premature deaths. The potential long-term financial benefits of a smoke-free Britain are clear. However, it may take some time for these savings to become a reality, especially considering the current government's track record.

If cigarettes were created today, they might not even make it to the shelves. Unfortunately, eliminating a product that the population is already accustomed to is much more challenging than preventing its introduction in the first place. Implementing a gradual ban could be a more gentle approach than an immediate cessation, but the practical enforcement of such a ban remains uncertain. This raises concerns about a future scenario where a shopkeeper could be deemed "too young" to smoke, yet required to sell cigarettes to older individuals.

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The legal smoking age is different in each country within the UK. This means that any ban on purchasing cigarettes would only affect England. It is possible that individuals who cannot buy cigarettes in England may still be able to purchase them in Wales or Scotland. Additionally, historically, underage individuals have always found ways to access cigarettes, so it raises the question of how this new ban will be enforced effectively.

The general public may not be as supportive of the Tory rebels' opposition to the "nanny state" when 250 people are dying each week due to NHS waiting lists and a cost of living crisis is affecting the growth of our children. In this challenging climate, some who were against state intervention may now be more open to the idea. The key question is whether Rishi Sunak can create a viable plan and follow through with it.

Editor's P/S:

The proposed smoking ban in the UK has sparked a complex debate, pitting public health concerns against individual freedoms. While the ban has the potential to save lives and reduce healthcare costs, it also raises questions about personal choice, enforcement, and the role of government in regulating such behaviors. The author acknowledges the benefits of a smoke-free society but emphasizes the importance of balancing these against the rights of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies.

The article also highlights the challenges of implementing and enforcing such a ban, including the potential for unintended consequences such as black markets and the displacement of smoking to other countries within the UK. Ultimately, the success of the proposed ban will depend on the government's ability to create a viable plan, address enforcement concerns, and garner public support amidst the current economic and social challenges.