A draft law in the UK to create a "smoke-free generation" by banning smoking for anybody born after 2008 has cleared both houses of parliament. Only the king's signature remains for it to become law.

A draft law in the UK to create a “smoke-free generation” by banning smoking for anybody born after 2008 has cleared both houses of parliament. Only the king’s signature remains for it to become law.

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.dw.com/en/uk-moves-to-ban-smoking-for-everyone-born-after-2008/a-76884561

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

  • Guilvareux@feddit.ukEnglish
    6·
    15 days ago

    As someone who hates smoking, never enjoyed it, it’s a terrible health choice etc. Let people do what they want.

    I’m more than content with smoking being banned in various public areas. Do what you want as long as it’s not harming anyone else.

    There will always be unhealthy choices, once smoking is banned and smoking disappears into history, cured meat will be top dog, then ultra-processed food or something.

    As a Brit, Champion freedom for a change.

    • notabot@piefed.socialEnglish
      2·
      15 days ago

      Do what you want as long as it’s not harming anyone else.

      The problem is that it does harm others. Not only in the obvious ways, such as passive smoking, the toxic chemicals that cling to smokers, the environmental costs, and such, but also the increased healthcare costs. The NHS is tax funded, and smokers add significantly to the cost of that.

      Remember, this ban isn’t stopping anyone who currently had legal access to cigarettes smoking, it is only stopping those who don’t yet have access from gaining access. It’s not actually depriving anyone of freedoms they already have, simply blacklisting a behaviour which has no positives and significant downsides.

    • belated_frog_pants@beehaw.orgEnglish
      1·
      15 days ago

      Ultra processed foods are not good for human beings either.

      Most of these mass issues aren’t because “the people want it” its because corporations have pushed their products for generations and only care about money and not public health.

      • Guilvareux@feddit.ukEnglish
        1·
        15 days ago

        I totally agree with you, I also avoid UPF. I’m just saying that there will always be choices that make a divergence from optimum health, and it will be seen by others as costly and perhaps even stupid, but that’s not a good enough reason for me to limit freedoms.

        If corporations pushing products is an issue, regulate the companies not individuals