MPs have voted overwhelmingly in support of banning smoking in cars carrying children to prevent them form inhaling second-hand smoke.
The vote opens the door for health secretary Jeremy Hunt to introduce legislation which could fine smokers £60 for lighting up in their car with children present.
Medical and anti-smoking charities were quick to praise the labour’s proposed amendment to the Children and Families Bill and the subsequent vote, with Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, saying:
Having campaigned on this issue for many years, we’re absolutely delighted that MPs have overwhelmingly backed the ban on smoking in cars carrying children. MPs from across the parties have come together to support this ground-breaking measure.
The introduction of a law that would help prevent hundreds of thousands of children from being exposed to second-hand smoke in the car is now within reach.
With both Houses of Parliament having made their support for the ban clear, the onus is now on the Government to act accordingly and make this crucial child protection measure law at the earliest opportunity.
We are also extremely pleased that the other amendments proposed to this Bill have been successfully voted through. Standardised packaging, banning adults from buying cigarettes for children and prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to under 18 year olds are important measures that will help protect the health of young people now and in the future.
The ban had a majority of 269 in the Commons vote, with 376 MPs voting in support of the ban to 107 voting against.
