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A new UK-wide law that would stop anyone currently under the age of 16 from ever buying tobacco has been supported by Senedd Members.

The law, which would affect anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, is aimed at creating a ‘smoke-free generation’ – and would cover all four UK nations.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently being considered by the House of Lords after receiving the support of the House of Commons.

The proposals were part of Labour’s UK election manifesto last summer. A similar bill was tabled by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier in 2024, before plans were eventually shelved due to the general election being called.

The Bill also includes stricter rules around vapes. This includes restrictions around the advertising of nicotine and vape products, to prevent them being targeted towards children and young people.

Trading Standards Wales will be supported with more than £650,000 of Welsh Government funding to implement the measures to tackle illegal tobacco and vapes in Wales over the next three years, including the recruitment and training of five apprentices to help with enforcement.

Wales’ mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, supports the “historic” legislation, which she says will protect children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

Before Senedd Members voted to support the Bill last week, Ms Murphy met school children and heard a poem they had written in support of a smoke-free future.

Ms Murphy said: “Despite the real progress we have made to reduce smoking levels, tobacco continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable disease and premature death in Wales.

“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides us with a unique opportunity to tackle smoking and the growing issue of youth vaping.

“It is an opportunity to comprehensively and significantly improve public health in Wales and the wider UK.”

Professor Isabel Oliver, Wales’ chief medical officer, said: “Tobacco addiction kills thousands in Wales every year and continues to reinforce existing health inequalities.

“This Bill offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to break that cycle and protect future generations from a product that has caused immeasurable harm.”