Nigel Farage has explained why he was absent from the Commons as MPs voted on the Tobacco & Vapes bill.
The Reform UK leader admitted on GB News he expects “a lot of stick” for shunning the vote – but feels his time was best served hosting his show on the People’s Channel.
“I expect a lot of stick for being here at 7pm”, he said.
“This afternoon, we had a debate on the Tobacco & Vapes bill. Believe me, the Cromwellians are fully in charge.
Nigel has explained why he was not present in the Commons
GB NEWS
“I listened to speaker after speaker say they will support the legislation. You know the one, the one Rishi Sunak first talked about. Anyone born after 2009 will not be able to buy cigarettes, but a year earlier, they will.
“The reason I’m not voting is because it’s going to pass with a majority of about 300.
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VapingWikimediaCommons/SmileSmith25“I think I am better off here debating national issues on GB News in a situation like that.”
The Reform chief went on to take aim at the Daily Mirror – saying he expects them to “write rude words” about his decision to present his show instead of register an attendance at the Commons.
“At least I have given you some words you can publish”, he remarked.
Lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of new legislation that would create some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking rules.
Wes Streeting is concerned about the ‘alarming’ rise in youngsters vaping
GB News
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed with 415 MPs supporting it and 47 voting against in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
The landmark legislation would ensure that anyone aged 15 or younger this year would never be legally able to buy cigarettes.
The bill also aims to crack down on vaping, with proposed bans on vape advertising and vending machines, alongside restrictions on packaging and flavours that appeal to children.
The legislation will now proceed to the committee stage before moving to the House of Lords.
Labour health secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the urgency of the legislation, stating: “The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction.”
Conservative shadow minister for health Caroline Johnson acknowledged the bill’s ambitious nature: “Whatever our views on this bill are, it is a bold legislation of good intention.”
Some MPs expressed concerns about civil liberties, with Conservative Robert Jenrick opposing the bill on X, saying: “Educate more, ban less. Say no to the nanny state.”
The legislation includes a new licensing scheme for retailers, with £200 fines for those selling to underage customers.
Cancer Research UK’s Ian Walker highlighted the stakes: “Tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases every day in the UK.”