British MPs vote to phase out smoking

Hello. The UK House of Commons today has voted in favour of a bill banning anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes. This is part of a broader, global trend - as you'll read from my colleagues working on politics and health. We're also following the Trump trial in New York, where jury selection continues. I also have reports on Indian elections, French painting and unfortunate architecture.

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British MPs vote to phase out smoking

The government aims to implement the smoking ban by 2027. Credit: Getty Images

Many countries have cracked down on tobacco smoking - 74 of them have banned cigarettes indoors over the past 20 years. Now the UK is set to move to the next step. Members of parliament have voted in favour of a bill forbidding people born in 2009 and later to buy cigarettes.

What is the smoking ban?

The restrictions will apply to the sale of cigarettes in the UK rather than the act of smoking itself. Under the new law, each year the legal age for cigarette sales - currently 18 - will increase by one year. It means that people born in or after 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes, leading to an effective ban.

What is happening to smoking rates in the UK?

Smoking rates in older teens remain high - more than 12% of 16- to 17-year-olds smoke in England. Although the number of 11-17 year olds who smoke cigarettes has gone down in the last decade, the popularity of vaping has increased in this age group. A packet of 20 cigarettes now costs over £15 ($18.65).

Are other countries banning smoking?

The country's previous government planned to ban anyone born after 2008 from buying cigarettes or tobacco products in their lifetime. But the current government said it will scrap the law to help fund tax cuts. Mexico has some of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the world, including smoking bans at beaches, parks and in some cases private homes. Portugal aims to have a "smoke-free generation" by 2040.

THE BIG PICTURE

The biggest election ever

969 million Indian citizens are eligible to cast their ballot. Credit: Getty Images

Almost a billion voters will take part in India's general election, which starts on Friday and will be spread over six weeks. They will be choosing a new parliament for the next five years, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third consecutive term. My Indian colleagues have put together a comprehensive guide to the largest democratic event in the world.

And finally... in China

The proposed design of a train station in the city of Nanjing is certainly eye-grabbing. Authorities say it takes inspiration from plum blossoms, which the city is known for. But the feedback from online users is that, far from a flower, the design is reminding them of a sanitary pad.