Eamonn Holmes Calls for Total Smoking Ban in Fiery Debate with Labour MP Wes Streeting
Eamonn Holmes made a bold call for an outright smoking ban as he discussed the Labour Party’s latest anti-smoking proposals with MP Wes Streeting on GB News. Appearing via video link, Streeting introduced new legislation aimed at creating a “smoke-free generation” by gradually extending the smoking ban to cover more outdoor areas, including schools and playgrounds. The Labour MP emphasized that these measures are crucial in protecting the next generation from an addiction that kills two out of three who start smoking.
However, Eamonn wasn’t satisfied with the incremental approach, pressing Streeting on why the government doesn’t “just ban smoking completely.” “If it’s that awful, if it’s the single biggest killer, why don’t you just, you know, fully fledged doing something about it?” Eamonn demanded, visibly concerned, according to the Express.
Streeting responded with a hint of surprise, saying, “I never thought I’d come on GB News and be accused of not going far enough!” He went on to outline his vision, introducing the new tobacco and vapes bill to Parliament as a transformative health measure. “This is going to be the biggest health measure in a generation – it will mean that children growing up in our country today will never legally be able to buy cigarettes,” Streeting explained. He described the legislation as “ground-breaking,” aiming to phase out smoking for future generations while tightening restrictions on where it can take place.
Streeting highlighted the staggering toll smoking takes on public health, noting that it remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with 80,000 annual fatalities and one in four cancer cases directly linked to smoking. Despite progress in reducing smoking rates over the years, Streeting admitted that the impact hadn’t been sufficient, explaining that most smokers ultimately regret taking up the habit and struggle to quit.
In his proposal, Streeting clarified that while the goal is to eliminate smoking among young people, adults who already smoke should receive the support they need to quit. He stated his intention to balance “public health, lives, livelihoods, and liberties,” acknowledging the tax burden smoking places on the NHS due to the costly treatment needed for smoking-related illnesses.
As the government moves forward with its plans, Eamonn’s call for a total ban has added fuel to the ongoing debate. Streeting’s commitment to phasing out smoking reflects a growing shift in public health policy, seeking a future where smoking is gradually eliminated from British society.