UK's Smoking Ban: Bold Health Reform Or Unrealistic Gamble?

The UK is pushing one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world - a generational ban that will prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. Touted as the biggest public health reform in decades, the move aims to create a "smoke-free generation" and significantly cut smoking-related deaths.

In this episode of Out Of Britain, Radhika Iyer explores whether the ambitious plan is practical or problematic. With nearly 70,000 deaths linked to smoking each year in the UK, supporters say the law could save millions of lives and reduce long-term pressure on the National Health Service.

But critics warn of unintended consequences - from black market growth to concerns over personal freedom and enforcement challenges. The debate also extends to tighter regulation of vaping, especially among young people.

Is Britain on track to become smoke-free, or is this policy too ambitious to succeed?