Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans has voiced concerns over parts of the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, following the Senedd’s vote to support the legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation.

The Bill, introduced in the House of Commons last November, will prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1 2009 and introduces new rules on vaping products, licensing, advertising, and smoke-free and vape-free places.

Senedd Members have this week supported the Bill. It is currently being considered by the House of Lords after receiving the support of the House of Commons.

Mr Evans, who is also Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said there were some aspects of the legislation he was “not against” but said he had “serious concerns” about banning tobacco sales to younger generations.

He said: “This is an overreach of the state and will prove to be ineffective in stopping young people from smoking. If people want to smoke, they will. I believe this will lead to increased illegal sales of cigarettes, which we all know are very dangerous.

“There has to be some personal decision making. At 18 you can decide whether you want to drink alcohol, you could be paying taxes, voting, yet this legislation is saying you cannot smoke. The Welsh Government should be focussing their efforts on helping people to stop smoking, both cigarettes and vapes - not curtailing our freedoms. What’s next?”

He also said the Bill does not address the growing popularity of vaping among young people, particularly flavoured products which critics say are targeted to appeal to a younger audience.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy welcomed the Senedd’s vote on the legislative consent motion (LCM), saying the Bill will protect young people from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

“This is a historic day for public health in Wales. Despite the real progress we have made to reduce smoking levels, tobacco continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable disease and premature death in Wales,” she said.

“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides us with a unique opportunity to tackle smoking and the growing issue of youth vaping.

“It is an opportunity to comprehensively and significantly improve public health in Wales and the wider UK.”

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, said: “Tobacco addiction kills thousands in Wales every year and continues to reinforce existing health inequalities.

“This Bill offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to break that cycle and protect future generations from a product that has caused immeasurable harm.”

The legislation will now continue through the UK parliamentary process, with new restrictions on tobacco and vaping expected across all four nations.

Trading Standards Wales will receive more than £650,000 in Welsh Government funding over three years to tackle illegal tobacco and vapes, including the recruitment and training of five enforcement apprentices.

The Welsh Government has already passed laws to restrict smoking in outdoor public spaces - including hospital grounds, school grounds and public playgrounds.