Simon Jupp abstained from voting on a new bill to ban smoking among young people in the UK.

MPs voted 383 to 67 (majority 316) to give the Tobacco and Vapes Bill a second reading on Tuesday night (April 16).

The legislation, seen by the Prime Minister is a key part of his long-term legacy, would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2009.

Speaking about the bill, Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon told the Herald: “Whilst I support measures to encourage people to give up smoking, or to limit its take-up in the first place, I do believe in individual choice.

“As someone who previously worked in a supermarket, I am seriously concerned about how the policy can be implemented on the shop floor.

“I will continue to discuss my concerns about the bill with the government.

“Personally, I would rather the government raised the age limit to 21 and continues to increase taxes on tobacco."