A “radical” proposal could result in a Major transformation to smoking rules.
British people will be encouraged to quit smoking as Health Secretary Sajid Javid awaits a critical report on the tobacco industry, according to reports.
The Health Secretary has commissioned an independent assessment, which is anticipated to be released in the coming weeks.
It is expected to propose that the legal age for purchasing cigarettes in the United Kingdom be raised to 21.
New taxes will be levied on tobacco business earnings in an effort to reduce smoking by 2030.
The legal smoking age is presently 18 years old, but if Sajid Javid follows through on the recommendations, preparations might be drawn up to amend the law.
He quit smoking when he became Health Secretary last year, after Matt Hancock resigned over his lockdown-breaking incident.
The latest report was written by Javed Khan, a former charity executive who believes in a “polluter pays” model in which cigarette corporations pay for the costs of anti-smoking efforts.
“The approach he’s taken in the talks I’ve had with him has been extremely drastic,” a source close to anti-smoking tsar Mr Khan said.
The research will help Javid make his case for raising the legal drinking age to 21 and getting smoking reform legislation passed in the Commons.
The restriction on under-21s purchasing cigarettes and smoking could aid the country’s goal of becoming smoke-free by the end of the decade.
It also intends to make vaping and e-cigarettes more accessible as an alternative to smoking.
Furthermore, taxing the tobacco business may generate £700 million per year, which could be used to give e-cigarettes on the NHS to assist Brits in quitting the unhealthy habit.
“Sajid Javid is interested in health disparity and tackling public health issues,” a source continued, “but the Government is in hock to right-wing MPs.”
They are still concerned about a nanny state campaign on cigarettes.”
Some sources indicate Khan wants the legal age to be 25; however, insiders believe the recommended age will be lowered to 21.
This comes after a study found that smoking singles are three times more likely to commit suicide.
