Labour has reportedly U-turned on a proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens, as Sir Keir Starmer worries that the move could be a death sentence for businesses.

Instead, cigarettes will only be prohibited outside of hospitals and schools, with pub gardens, outside stadiums and outdoor restaurants being spared from the ban.

Starmer had previously defended the move, claiming that banning smoking in outdoor areas will “reduce the burden” on the NHS and taxpayers.

However, following a furious backlash from Britons, the proposed ban is set to be dropped, The Sun has revealed.

Labour 'U-turns on pub garden smoking ban' as Starmer fears move would be death sentence for businesses

A recent impact assessment found that banning smoking outdoors could cost jobs and force even more pubs to close, the publication reports.

Wes Steeting, the Health Secretary, has called for a “national debate” on prohibiting smoking.

It comes after top doctors have called for legislation aimed at tackling youth vaping to include a total ban on disposable e-cigarettes and all flavours apart from tobacco.

The British Medical Association (BMA) urged ministers to “take bold and brave actions” to protect the health of children and young people amid a “vaping epidemic”.