MPs back move to ban smoking in cars with children

Smoking in cars in the presence of children is to be outlawed in England by the end of the year

Leading medical charities have said they are “delighted” that MPs voted in favour of outlawing smoking in vehicles carrying children.

The Commons has given the Health Secretary the power to impose a ban despite the opposition of some MPs, including members of the Cabinet. Ministers were granted a free vote on the measure – successfully introduced by Labour in a House of Lords amendment to the Children and Families Bill – meaning they are not tied to a party line.

Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “Having campaigned on this issue for many years, we’re absolutely delighted that MPs have backed the ban on smoking in cars carrying children.

“This could prove a great leap forward for the health of our nation’s children.

“The introduction of a law that would help prevent hundreds of thousands of children from being exposed to second-hand smoke in the car is now within reach.

“With both Houses of Parliament having made their support for the ban clear, the onus is now on the Government to act accordingly and make this crucial child protection measure law at the earliest opportunity.”

The charity estimates that in England more than 430,000 children aged 11 to 15 are exposed to second-hand smoke in cars every week.

Research published by the organisation last year concluded that 185,000 children of the same age are exposed to smoke while in the family car on “most days”, if not every day.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was in favour of the move while Justice Secretary Chris Grayling was in the “no” camp.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has spoken out against attempts to “sub-contract responsible parenting to the state” and pro-smoking groups have branded it an “unnecessary intrusion”.

Shadow Public Health Minister Luciana Berger welcomed the result but warned ministers not to “kick this into the long grass”.

AA president Edmund King said: “MPs have said, no buts about it, endangering a child’s health by smoking in the same car is unacceptable. The dangers from smoking in cars have long been recognised, such as distraction, littering and causing fires.

But Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ group Forest, said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the decision.

He added: “The Government has been spineless in its response to Labour’s initiative.

“Legislation will have very little impact because so few adults still smoke in cars carrying children. Those that do will carry on because it will be very difficult to enforce.”