UK Government Takes Bold Step to Ban Cigarettes for Future Generations

The UK government has proposed a ban on younger generations ever buying cigarettes, with the smoking age rising by one year every year. If passed into law, this move could phase out smoking among young people by 2040, making the UK one of the countries with the toughest smoking rules. The proposal has been welcomed by academics and campaigners but has caused shares of major tobacco companies to fall. The tobacco industry warns of unintended consequences and a potential increase in black market trade. Other countries, such as New Zealand and Denmark, are also considering similar measures to reduce smoking rates.