After MPs voted in favour of the smoking ban legislation, what do people in Swindon and our local MPs think about the plans to become a smoke-free country?

Rishi Sunak's Tobacco and Vapes Bill would restrict people born in or after 2009 from being able to legally buy cigarettes in the UK. 

Both South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson voted in favour of the ban. 

Sir Robert said: “It is right to take longer term action to limit the effects of smoking addiction, which causes misery to thousands and is a significant pressure on our NHS.

“I think that vapes are a real problem and that we need to take action to ban disposable vapes and regulate their availability.”

Mr Tomlinson explained: “I voted for this Bill. The UK is aiming to join other countries in creating a smoke-free generation, something which health professionals have said would prevent more than 470,000 cases of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and other diseases by the end of the century.

“Smoking kills and children’s doctors are warning of long-term damage from vaping to the lungs, brain and heart. This Bill won’t impact on those who already choose to smoke or vape, but it will protect future generations from the harmful impacts.”

Akhila, who works as a nurse in Swindon, said: “I am from India and I came here to work in the NHS. I do see a lot of people come in with smoking-related issues, so yeah I do think the ban would be a good thing for hospitals and also to protect my children too." 

But others are less convinced the ban will work. 

Roger, who grew up in Swindon, said: “Smoking in moderation is fine, but often people don’t do it in moderation. I can see how it’s a good thing for health, but I’m not sure how much it will take the strain off the NHS overall."