A phased ban on smoking will be “popular” with the public, the Health Secretary insisted this morning amid a Tory revolt. 

Victoria Atkins said banning young people from buying cigarettes will one day be viewed in the same way as the ban on smoking in pubs and in cars with children present. 

Under a new law being pushed by Rishi Sunak, due to come into force from 2027, nobody currently aged 15 or under will ever be able to legally buy tobacco products. 

Liz Truss, the former prime minister, has labelled the proposed ban as “absurd” and accused Mr Sunak of seeking to extend the “nanny state”.  

But Ms Atkins told Times Radio: “No mum or dad wants their child to start smoking and I genuinely think this will be a popular measure with the public.” 

A group of Tory backbenchers are mobilising to vote against the legislation when it comes before the Commons early next month. However, Labour will support the plan, ensuring it will pass. 

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