British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that his government is gearing up to implement stricter anti-smoking measures. This bold move is expected to eventually ban smoking in outdoor spaces, including pubs and restaurants.

Although smoking has been prohibited indoors in pubs, restaurants, and most workplaces in the UK since 2007, smoking-related illnesses continue to burden the National Health Service, with costs exceeding 2.5 billion pounds annually in England alone.

During a visit to French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Starmer emphasized the urgent need to address the high mortality rate caused by smoking. “Over 80,000 people lose their lives every year due to smoking. We need to take action to reduce this preventable tragedy and alleviate the strain on the NHS and taxpayers,” he stated.

The Labour government is also planning to reintroduce legislation from a previous Conservative administration that would ban the sale of tobacco to individuals born after January 2009. This proposal aims to incrementally increase the legal age for purchasing cigarettes in England until it eventually becomes illegal for the entire population.

However, this move has sparked mixed reactions from industry experts. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concerns about potential over-regulation, while Clive Watson, a pub entrepreneur, criticized the idea, suggesting it may drive customers away from establishments.

Earlier this year, the British government, led by Rishi Sunak, proposed a smoking ban to prevent young people from starting the habit. Despite facing opposition, the bill passed its first hurdle in Parliament, signaling the government’s commitment to creating a smoke-free generation in the UK.

If approved, this legislation will position Britain as a global leader in anti-smoking laws, aiming to set the precedent for a healthier future.