 did not deny that a New Zealand-style policy is on the cards, but it is understood the move is not being actively pursued by Steve Barclay, the Secretary of State. Labour said earlier this year it would consult on similar measures in order to eradicate smoking by 2030. 'Curious' how it will work out Speaking to the BBC in January, Wes Streeting , the shadow health secretary, said his party would like to see how the New Zealand laws work out. 'I am genuinely curious,' he said. 'If we are going to get the NHS back on track, we need to focus on public health. 'I am curious to see where the voters are on this, where the country is and what the appetite is for change. We are going to have to think radically. What the Government has done to the NHS is a disgrace. It is going to take time to fix it and fresh, radical thinking.' The proposals were floated last year in an independent review commissioned by Sajid Javid, the former health secretary, which called for radical action to reduce smoking rates and make the habit 'obsolete' within two decades. Separately, the Government is looking at adding anti-smoking messages to the inside of cigarette packets to dissuade pe){kind=link}
Prime Minister could follow New Zealand by raising legal age every year
Rishi Sunak is considering effectively banning smoking for future generations by gradually raising the age at which people can buy cigarettes.
The Prime Minister is looking at steadily increasing the legal smoking age for those born after 2008, meaning they would never be able to purchase a tobacco product in the UK.
It would see Britain follow in the footsteps of New Zealand, which recently introduced similar measures aimed at preventing children from picking up the habit.
Under the new laws, the country’s smoking age of 18 will be raised each year until it applies to the whole population.