In a fiery debate in the Commons, Liz Truss, the former Tory PM, has raised concerns about a bill that aims to gradually outlaw smoking. Truss claims that if the bill is passed, it will give rise to a “health police” who will impose further bans on personal freedoms.
Truss emphasized that she is not opposing the bill because she loves smoking, but because she believes it represents a technocratic establishment that wants to limit people’s freedom. She expressed her fear that the government wants to control what people eat, drink, and how they enjoy themselves.
The former PM recounted her experience campaigning in her constituency and stated that she has never come across anyone demanding a gradual smoking ban. She accused officials in the health department of pushing this idea, even claiming that Thérèse Coffey, the former health secretary, refused to adopt the plan when she was in office.
Truss warned that the bill is just the beginning, and the “health police” will seek to make decisions about various aspects of people’s lives if given the power. She criticized the idea of the government protecting adults from themselves, calling it “hugely problematic.”
The debate saw opposition from various Tory MPs, including Brendan Clarke-Smith and Sir Simon Clarke, who raised concerns about the bill’s impact on personal freedoms and equality under the law.
The discussion also touched on other key events, including the government’s defeat on the Rwanda bill in the Lords, and Rishi Sunak’s delay in speaking with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by Truss and other MPs regarding the gradual smoking ban bill. The issue of personal freedom versus public health will likely remain a contentious topic in the coming days.