Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, emphasized that gradually increasing the legal age for purchasing tobacco would create a 'smoke-free generation and ultimately, a smoke-free nation.' He noted that this bill is poised to be the most significant public health intervention in a generation, focusing on prevention rather than treatment, thereby easing the burdens on the NHS.
Tory shadow health secretary Edward Argar acknowledged that while the government's intentions behind the bill are commendable—aiming to reduce NHS pressures and deter youth from addictive substances—he expressed apprehension over new ministerial powers to enforce smoking bans in specific outdoor areas.
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