Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Mrs Sharon Hodgson

Labour — Washington and Gateshead South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 23 March 2026

Debate

Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Contribution

I will finish responding to the hon. Member’s ideological arguments. This is not about liberty or choice for smokers. Up to two thirds of deaths among smokers can be attributed to smoking; three quarters of smokers wish they had never started; and the majority want to quit. That is not freedom of choice. The tobacco industry took away their choice by addicting them at a very young age.

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