MPs from Hull and East Yorkshire are split on the government’s smoking ban plans.
The MPs who represent Hull and East Yorkshire constituencies in Parliament disagree regarding proposals to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1 2009.
Of the six MPs that represent the region, just two recorded a vote. MP for Hull East, Labour’s Karl Turner voted in line with the Government and backed the ban.
Conservative MP, Charlie Dewhirst who represents Bridlington and the Wolds in Parliament voted against the Bill. He said: “‘While I share the goal of reducing smoking, this Bill takes the wrong approach. We already have robust laws to protect under-18s, and enforcement – not new legislation – should be our focus. Evidence shows that overly strict bans, like those in Australia and Hong Kong, only drive illegal sales and harm public health efforts.
“Instead, we should acknowledge the benefits of alternatives like vaping and snus, which can dramatically reduce smoking rates. Smoking harms health and finances, but I feel it’s not the role of the state to eliminate personal choice when workable solutions already exist.”
Mr Dewhirst and his Conservative colleagues were given a free vote by the party’s leadership. The same was the case for Liberal Democrat MPs.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has been told that Emma Hardy MP was unable to vote due to ministerial responsibilities. Despite this, the Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice has made her views on the bill known. She said: “I would have voted for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill because I want the next generation to be fit, healthy and have the greatest possible quality of life. This Bill will save thousands of lives in the future.
“I am however pleased that the decision to ban smoking in beer gardens has been dropped. It’s important we do all we can to support the hospitality industry.”
Dame Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Hull North and Cottingham was also unable to vote due to ministerial responsibilities. Her office has confirmed that Dame Johnson “would have backed the Government.”
As well as the four other Hull and East Yorkshire MPs, there were some high profile absences from the vote. Nigel Farage, who has been highly critical of the Bill, skipped the vote to present his show on GB News according to The Mirror. Former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak also skipped the vote despite the Bill being initially launched by his government.
The Bill also seeks to tackle the issue of childhood vaping. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has said: “The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction.
“It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like ‘gummy bear’ and ‘rainbow burst’.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction. That’s why it’s so incredibly important it is voted through.”
Ultimately, the bill passed the preliminary vote, 415 to 47, meaning the bill will now go to the committee stage before returning to the Commons for further debate.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
