Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban put on ICE as Tories have just 2 days to crash through key bills in General Election ‘wash-up’
RISHI Sunak’s landmark generational fag ban was put on ice indefinitely today.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill won’t make it through the Commons before parliament shuts down ahead of the general election.
The controversial legislation would’ve seen people born in or after 2009 banned from ever legally being able to buy ciggies.
It was backed by most Labour and Tory MPs.
But with only one day left to “wash up” promised laws – the fag ban was ditched.
Bidding goodbye to the Bill, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt insisted it was “supported by a large number of people”.
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She said: “It is clearly something that the Prime Minister also feels very passionately about.”
Because the legislation had cross-party support it is likely to be picked up by whoever wins the July election and forms the next government.
Also iced today was a new law to create a footie regulator and the long-promised Renters’ Reform Bill.
In a blow to tenants across England the 2019 Tory manifesto promise to outlaw “no fault evictions” is now dead in the water.
Tom Darling, Campaign Manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “The 2019 Conservative Manifesto promised to deliver a better deal for private renters and an end to section 21 evictions.
“The announcement of the general election for July 4th is confirmation that the government have failed to deliver that manifesto commitment.
“We look forward to parties setting out how they plan to tackle the acute crisis of insecurity, disrepair and un-affordability facing private renters.”
Another 2019 Conservative vow – to reform England’s archaic leasehold system by capping ground rents – is in last minute “negotiations”.
Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “If elected, we intend to finally bring the archaic and iniquitous leasehold system to an end and make commonhold the default tenure.”
Among the legislation that will be rammed through before parliament dissolves are compensation for victims of the Post Office and infected blood scandals.
The Finance Bill, which includes policies set out by Jeremy Hunt at the Spring Budget, will also pass.
THE so-called “wash-up” period refers to the final days of a Parliament before dissolution, which is due to take place on Friday May 30.
Because there is not enough time to complete parliamentary consideration in the usual way, the Government has to rely on the cooperation of the Opposition to pass important legislation during this time.
The Government and opposition negotiate to decide which bills, or specific parts of bills, should be expedited through their remaining stages to become law before the parliament dissolves.
This often involves strategic decisions where the government may agree to abandon certain bills or clauses in exchange for the Opposition’s support to fast-track others.
The wash-up period can also include time set aside for the consideration of private member’s bills, which are usually proposed by members of parliament who are not part of the government cabinet.