Kemi comes out against Sunak’s smoking ban

When Rishi Sunak first unveiled his plans for a smoke-free generation, Downing Street was clear it would be a free vote. Such are the divisions in the Tory party over the issue and the question of personal liberty that there were never any plans to whip the vote. As expected, Sunak’s policy to make it illegal for people born in or after 2009 to buy tobacco has attracted many internal Tory critics. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has been leading the charge today in the chamber, criticising Sunak for being a nanny state figure.

However, given Sunak and Truss agree on very little these days, her critique was expected. More notable is the first member of the cabinet to speak out. Step forward Kemi Badenoch. The Business Secretary has announced her intention to vote against the government policy this afternoon.

Explaining her decision Badenoch said:

I’m not a smoker and think it is an unpleasant habit, costly for both the individual and society.