Reform UK leader Nigel Farage failed to turn up for a Commons vote on the smoking ban, despite being a vocal critic of the plans – as he was presenting his GB News show
Smoking ban critic Nigel Farage skipped a key Commons vote so he could present his GB News show.
MPs overwhelmingly backed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill by 415 to 47, majority 368, at second reading on Tuesday. The legislation will prevent anyone turning 15 this year – those born on or after 1 January 2009 – from ever being able to legally buy tobacco products. It will also clamp down on youth vaping.
But Mr Farage was a no-show – despite being a vocal critic of the plans. He previously moaned he’d “never go to the pub again” if smoking was banned in pub gardens – an idea that has now been ditched. He accused Labour of showing off its “authoritarian socialist state control instincts and mentality.”
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Instead Mr Farage chose to appear on his lucrative GB News show. He has logged £177,428 in earnings from the broadcaster since he became an MP, including several months of back pay.
Speaking on GB News on Tuesday, Mr Farage said: “I bet I get a load of stick for appearing on here at 7pm. Why? Because this afternoon we have a debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill second reading.
“Believe you me, the Cromwellians are fully in charge.”
He went on: “The reason I’m not voting at 7pm is because it’s going pass with a majority of about 300 I think, and I think I’m better off here debating national issues on GB News in a situation like that.”
The Reform leader said he was explaining himself – in case Daily Mirror reporters spotted his absence and planned to call him out. Happy to oblige, Mr Farage…
Rishi Sunak, who first proposed the plans when he was Prime Minister, also didn’t show up to vote. He announced the idea at Conservative Party Conference in 2023 and brought forward a bill, which failed to pass before the General Election.
Labour brought forward a new bill, which includes also includes plans to end the sale of vape flavours that overtly appeal to children – such as bubble gum, gummy bear and cotton candy – and a crackdown on brightly coloured packaging. New on-the-spot £200 fines will also be introduced to tackle underage sales of vapes.
The Bill will also provide powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces. In England bans in children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals are all being considered, subject to consultation.
