Make It Harder for Minors to Get Cigarettes: Rishi Sunak’s UK Ban Sparks Debate, Recalls Dr. Paul Richards’ Call in T&T

April 19, 2024 – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently passed the first hurdle in the British Parliament with a bold proposal: banning smoking for anyone aged 15 and under. This move has sparked a global debate about access to cigarettes among minors and the development of smoking habits among adolescents.

The international discussion has also caused the resurfacing of a clip from 2019, where Independent Senator Dr. Paul Richards called for a similar ban on the sale of cigarettes in Trinidad and Tobago. This highlights ongoing concerns within Trinidad and Tobago about tobacco control for youth and legislative measures to prevent underage smoking. The debate underscores the shared challenge of protecting public health and preventing early addiction among young people across nations.