Nigel Farage ‘expects a load of stick’ as he explains decision to shun key vote and host GB News show instead

“I expect a lot of stick for being here at 7pm”, he said.

“This afternoon, we had a debate on the Tobacco & Vapes bill. Believe me, the Cromwellians are fully in charge.

“I listened to speaker after speaker say they will support the legislation. You know the one, the one Rishi Sunak first talked about. Anyone born after 2009 will not be able to buy cigarettes, but a year earlier, they will.

“The reason I’m not voting is because it’s going to pass with a majority of about 300.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Player who failed gender test over 'high testosterone' WINS BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
• Lee Anderson offers ‘simple’ solution to benefits crisis as Labour unveils plan to slash bill
• Lewis Hamilton fails to convince Martin Brundle after 'surprising' comment at Las Vegas Grand Prix

“I think I am better off here debating national issues on GB News in a situation like that.”

The Reform chief went on to take aim at the Daily Mirror - saying he expects them to “write rude words” about his decision to present his show instead of register an attendance at the Commons.

“At least I have given you some words you can publish”, he remarked.

Lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of new legislation that would create some of the world's strictest anti-smoking rules.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed with 415 MPs supporting it and 47 voting against in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The landmark legislation would ensure that anyone aged 15 or younger this year would never be legally able to buy cigarettes.

The bill also aims to crack down on vaping, with proposed bans on vape advertising and vending machines, alongside restrictions on packaging and flavours that appeal to children.

The legislation will now proceed to the committee stage before moving to the House of Lords.

Labour health secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the urgency of the legislation, stating: "The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we're going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction."

Conservative shadow minister for health Caroline Johnson acknowledged the bill's ambitious nature: "Whatever our views on this bill are, it is a bold legislation of good intention."

Some MPs expressed concerns about civil liberties, with Conservative Robert Jenrick opposing the bill on X, saying: "Educate more, ban less. Say no to the nanny state."

The legislation includes a new licensing scheme for retailers, with £200 fines for those selling to underage customers.

Cancer Research UK's Ian Walker highlighted the stakes: "Tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases every day in the UK."