DUMFRIES and Galloway MP John Cooper has issued a warning over the controversial new Tobacco and Vapes Bill set to be introduced by the UK Government.
He was one of 47 politicians who voted against plans to make it illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or younger to ever buy cigarettes in the UK.
Mr Cooper has raised concerns about blanket bans and moves to put limits on people’s personal lifestyle choices.
He said: “I voted against not because I am pro tobacco, or indeed vaping.
“Instead I believe governments should be cautious about putting limits on people’s lifestyle choices.
“We have already seen the Nanny State instincts of the Scottish Government thrusting themselves into people’s lives, infantilising people over things such as alcohol licensing hours.
“And tobacco and vapes are already surrounded by legislation. I’d rather see proper enforcement of existing laws than piling on more rules.
“New Zealand announced a similar tobacco ban with much fanfare, only for it to be rescinded inside a year. Let’s see how Labour get on now.”
On Tuesday in Westminster, the new Tobacco and Vapes bill passed its first Commons hurdle comfortably by 415 votes to 47.
The idea was originally proposed by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government but was taken forward by Labour after previous legislation ran out of time before July’s general election.
However, some Tory and Lib Dem MPs raised concerns about the impact on civil liberties.
The proposed legislation will face further scrutiny from MPs and peers but is likely to become law.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs were given a free vote, which meant that they did not have to follow a party line.
