Sir Keir Starmer says the government will be “taking decisions” on outdoor smoking to reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use.

Responding to reports that smoking could be banned in some outdoor spaces, the prime minister said “we have got to take action” to reduce the burden it puts on the NHS.

Under new plans, smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and outside hospitals and sports grounds.

Health experts have welcomed the plans, but the BBC has been told that some ministers have raised concerns about the impact the ban could have on the hospitality sector.

The King’s Speech at the state opening of Parliament last month promised to reintroduce the last government’s legislation, which would have outlawed the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 2009.

It is not clear whether the outdoor smoking ban, first reported by the Sun, would apply to the whole of the UK or England only.
The BBC has sought further comment from the government.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it did not comment on leaks but was considering a range of measures to “finally make Britain smoke-free”.

A spokesperson added: “Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.

“We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking.”