It seems political consensus isn’t dead. It’s simply been hibernating, waiting for a kind of crackdown on personal liberty that is so popular that it brings everyone together. That moment came this evening, when MPs voted on the second reading of the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will not only ban whatever flavoured vapes ministers deem too fun, but will also ban anyone born after January 2009 from ever legally buying cigarettes and other tobacco-based products in the UK.
How did the Tory party find itself leading this charge against personal freedom?
A total of 383 voted in favour of the Bill, with 67 voting against. (The Spectator has the full list here). The overwhelming consensus for the Bill is set to usher in a new system of consumer rights in Britain: adults, born days apart, will not be allowed to be sold the same products. Aged 18, 48, or 98, some adults will be able to purchase tobacco based products, while their peers will not.
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