Last week, the House of Commons voted in favour of the Prime Minister's plan to make it illegal for anyone born in 2009 or later to buy tobacco products in the UK.
Richard voted against the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Explaining his reasons for doing so, Richard Fuller MP said:
I believe the Prime Minister is genuine in his desire to eliminate the scourge of smoking. I can see the benefits for individuals and for society from having a society free from tobacco use.
However, the bill represents too far an intrusion into the realm of individual choice. Moreover, the novel approach in the bill will create differential rights for adults : some with a choice and some without. I find that troublesome in principle.
Tobacco is bad for peopleβs health and can be addictive. Its use deserves to be restricted but in my view this is not the right approach for a liberal society.
