MPs confirm smoking in cars with children will be banned

A new law will be brought in making smoking in cars with children a criminal offence.

13:30 11 February 2014

A majority of MPs have voted to ban smoking in cars when travelling with children. This gives Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt the power to bring in new law. 

 

The Prime Minister, who missed Monday’s voting while visiting flooded areas in the South West, fully supports the proposed law against smoking while children are in the car. 

 

In addition, MPs voted to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to those under 18-years-old. 

 

However, a source quoted by Sky News said that it may take some time before the law will be passed. The source said: "Parliament has spoken so it will happen but it will take a bit of time to work out the practicalities. The vote was only last night and it only gives the Secretary of State the power to introduce a ban, so quite a bit of work needs to be done before it happens."

 

Meanwhile, the result was something that medical charities were happy about. 

 

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "Having campaigned on this issue for many years, we're absolutely delighted that MPs have backed the ban on smoking in cars carrying children.

 

"This could prove a great leap forward for the health of our nation's children.”