The British Parliament has finally passed legislation to send some migrants to Rwanda, opening the runway for flights this summer. The Prime Minister has rejected the idea of accepting the return of Asylum Seekers from Ireland amid concerns the policy was driving migrants across the border into the Republic. Watch in for more details!

Sunak's Rwanda Policy: UK will not accept return of asylum seekers from Ireland: Sunak

UK's contentious Rwanda bill is set to see action. The Home Office will begin to detain asylum seekers across the country from today. The move comes ahead of their planned deportation to the East African country.

UK Rwanda Deportation Plan: Scotland police on high alert over detention

More trouble is brewing for Britain's already embattled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Now there's a sense of a shock in the conservative party after the former Health Minister and working medic Dan Poulter announced that he is quitting the Tories and will soon be joining the labour party.

UK: Former UK Health Minister Dan Poulter abandons PM Rishi Sunak's party

Tory MP Mark Menzies has had the whip suspended over claims he misused campaign funds in the latest sleaze scandal to rock Rishi Sunak’s party. Watch in for more details!

UK: MP Mark Menzies loses Tory whip over misusing campaign funds

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposal to place a ban on smoking cleared its first parliamentary hurdle even though it faced opposition from within his cabinet, while Labour backed the bill.

Sunak proposed to increase the legal age for buying cigarettes annually so that the habit could be eventually phased out, along with imposing restrictions on the sale&nbsp;of vaping products.

If the proposals are passed, it will make selling tobacco products illegal to anyone&nbsp;born after January 1, 2009, as the prime minister dreams of creating a "smoke-free" generation.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-criminalise-creation-of-sexually-explicit-deepfake-images-712010">UK to criminalise creation of sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images</a>

During the voting, 165 Conservatives either abstained or voted against the proposal and 180 Tories gave votes in its support.&nbsp;

<h2>What does Sunak's proposed smoking ban involve?</h2>

As per the government's plans, the legal age for the purchase of cigarettes will annually increase from the age of 18 and will go beyond the pension age so as to make smoking obsolete.

However, the government doesn't aim to criminalise smoking which means that anybody who can legally purchase cigarettes won't be stopped from buying it in the future.

Till 2043, only those who are aged 35 or above will be able to purchase cigarettes legally and shopkeepers will be able to seek the ID of those seeking to purchase tobacco.

The legislation also includes new restrictions on flavours and a ban on disposable vapes, with only four flavours of vape set to be allowed.

<h2>What did UK PM Sunak say about the ban?</h2>

Sunak announced the plans at the Conservative Party Conference in October, and informed the delegates that it would mean that “a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette and that they, and their generation, can grow up smoke-free”.

“We have a chance to cut cancer deaths by a quarter, significantly ease those pressures and protect our children, and we should take it. This is not a values judgment on people who smoke," the UK prime minister said.

Watch:&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak faces rebellion over smoking ban

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-faces-rebellion-over-smoking-ban-711884/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I don’t believe it would be fair to take away the rights of anyone to smoke who currently does so, and the vote on this in Parliament will be a free vote, as the bar on smoking in public places was and raising the smoking age to 18 was," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Are the proposals being supported by Conservative MPs?</h2>

Tory's Kemi Badenoch voted against the bill stating that the government should not treat legally competent adults differently.&nbsp;

“I do not support the approach this bill is taking and so will be voting against it,” she said.

United Kingdom's former prime minister Liz Truss also voted against the bill. “I think the whole idea that we can protect adults from themselves is hugely problematic and it effectively infantilises people,” Truss said.

“People want to make their own decisions about what they eat and what they drink and how they enjoy themselves," she added.&nbsp;

Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman also voted against the bill, while Priti Patel and Penny Mordaunt abstained.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposal to place a ban on smoking cleared its first parliamentary hurdle even though it faced opposition from within his cabinet, while Labour backed the bill.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposal to place a ban on smoking cleared its first parliamentary hurdle even though it faced opposition from within his cabinet, while Labour backed the bill. Sunak proposed to increase the legal age for buying cigarettes annually so that the habit could be eventually phased out, along with imposing restrictions on the sale of vaping products. If the proposals are passed, it will make selling tobacco products illegal to anyone born after January 1, 2009, as the prime minister dreams of creating a "smoke-free" generation. Also Read: UK to criminalise creation of sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images During the voting, 165 Conservatives either abstained or voted against the proposal and 180 Tories gave votes in its support. What does Sunak's proposed smoking ban involve? As per the government's plans, the legal age for the purchase of cigarettes will annually increase from the age of 18 and will go beyond the pension age so as to make smoking obsolete. However, the government doesn't aim to criminalise smoking which means that anybody who can legally purchase cigarettes won't be stopped from buying it in the future. Till 2043, only those who are aged 35 or above will be able to purchase cigarettes legally and shopkeepers will be able to seek the ID of those seeking to purchase tobacco. The legislation also includes new restrictions on flavours and a ban on disposable vapes, with only four flavours of vape set to be allowed. What did UK PM Sunak say about the ban? Sunak announced the plans at the Conservative Party Conference in October, and informed the delegates that it would mean that “a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette and that they, and their generation, can grow up smoke-free”. “We have a chance to cut cancer deaths by a quarter, significantly ease those pressures and protect our children, and we should take it. This is not a values judgment on people who smoke," the UK prime minister said. Watch: UK: PM Rishi Sunak faces rebellion over smoking ban “I don’t believe it would be fair to take away the rights of anyone to smoke who currently does so, and the vote on this in Parliament will be a free vote, as the bar on smoking in public places was and raising the smoking age to 18 was," he added. Are the proposals being supported by Conservative MPs? Tory's Kemi Badenoch voted against the bill stating that the government should not treat legally competent adults differently. “I do not support the approach this bill is taking and so will be voting against it,” she said. United Kingdom's former prime minister Liz Truss also voted against the bill. “I think the whole idea that we can protect adults from themselves is hugely problematic and it effectively infantilises people,” Truss said. “People want to make their own decisions about what they eat and what they drink and how they enjoy themselves," she added. Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman also voted against the bill, while Priti Patel and Penny Mordaunt abstained. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Rishi Sunak's smoking ban clears first hurdle. What it entails and who will be affected

Tories' party whip has come under the radar, that is after an investigation was launched following claims that he had misused campaign funds.

UK: Tories' Mark Menzies loses party whip, reports accuse Menzies of using Tory funds

Trouble mounts for UK PM Rishi Sunak. Reports and approval rating suggest that the Tory leader is set to lose the upcoming polls. His divisive schemes in terms of deportation tax cuts inflation and now even smoking have drawn intense criticism both inside and outside of the conservative realm. Watch in for more details!

UK: PM Rishi Sunak slated to lose in General Elections 2024: Reports

The UK government said recently it was considering a scheme to send rejected asylum seekers to Rwanda voluntarily and will reportedly pay them up to £3,000 ($3,800) to make the move. Watch to know more.

UK PM Rishi Sunak says 'won't allow International courts to interfere with scheme'

Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's leadership, the Tories will taste defeat in the upcoming general election, cautioned Suella Braverman, the former UK Home Secretary. Braverman, however, indicated that she would not be launching a leadership bid.

Braverman, who was sacked in November, stated that she has no plans to topple the under-fire government before the country heads to ballot boxes.

Acknowledging her concerns regarding the Tories' polling numbers, she emphasised the uncomfortable reality that the Prime Minister's path was leading towards defeat. Braverman urged the government to take action, emphasising the need to demonstrate seriousness in halting illegal immigration by sea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/danger-looms-on-rishi-sunak-as-crafty-tories-plot-to-throw-him-out-of-downing-street-report-684595" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/danger-looms-on-rishi-sunak-as-crafty-tories-plot-to-throw-him-out-of-downing-street-report-684595&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje9KXSgbWFAxWyrVYBHUFwCdA4ChAWegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1EP77m86qeOVM8gkW88Jel&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danger-looms-on-rishi-sunak-as-crafty-tories-plot-to-throw-him-out-of-downing-street-report-684595" target="_blank">Danger looms on Rishi Sunak as crafty&nbsp;Tories&nbsp;plot to throw him out&nbsp;</a>

The Tories have been planning to oust Sunak, with Commons leader Penny Mordaunt appearing the favourite among Tory MPs to replace him. But other names including Braverman have been rumoured as a possible replacement, especially among those who are more rightwing in the party.

The Conservatives can possibly face a significant defeat in the upcoming election, according to Professor John Curtice, a respected polling expert. He recently forecasted that the Conservatives have only a 1 per cent chance of leading the next government. Recent polls indicate that the Conservative Party holds 20 per cent of the vote, narrowly surpassing Reform UK, linked to Nigel Farage, which stands at 16 per cent. In contrast, Labour maintains a substantial lead with 43 per cent of the vote.

"I'm not thinking about any kind of leadership campaign. Rishi Sunak is our Prime Minister, I fully expect him to lead us into the next general election,” Braverman said.

"I owe that to the people who have sent me to Parliament, and I owe that to you, and so the honest truth is that we are heading for a defeat, to put it mildly, at the general election. I very much hope that we change course and that we improve the offer to the British people. Ultimately, measures on tax cuts, measures on migration, measures on national security and social cohesion are insufficient by this Government."

Braverman was sacked as Home Secretary after a turbulent period in November in which she was accused of inspiring clashes between police and far-right thugs at the Cenotaph following her claim that police forces "play favourites" with protest groups. It also came just weeks after she described rough sleeping as being a "lifestyle choice".

Braverman was sacked from her role as Home Secretary in November following a chaotic period. During this time, she faced accusations of inciting confrontations between police and far-right individuals at the Cenotaph. Additionally, her dismissal occurred shortly after she controversially characterised rough sleeping as a "lifestyle choice."

(With inputs from agencies)

Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's leadership, the Tories will taste defeat in the upcoming general election, cautioned Suella Braverman, the former UK Home Secretary.

Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's leadership, the Tories will taste defeat in the upcoming general election, cautioned Suella Braverman, the former UK Home Secretary. Braverman, however, indicated that she would not be launching a leadership bid. Braverman, who was sacked in November, stated that she has no plans to topple the under-fire government before the country heads to ballot boxes. Acknowledging her concerns regarding the Tories' polling numbers, she emphasised the uncomfortable reality that the Prime Minister's path was leading towards defeat. Braverman urged the government to take action, emphasising the need to demonstrate seriousness in halting illegal immigration by sea. Also read: Danger looms on Rishi Sunak as crafty Tories plot to throw him out The Tories have been planning to oust Sunak, with Commons leader Penny Mordaunt appearing the favourite among Tory MPs to replace him. But other names including Braverman have been rumoured as a possible replacement, especially among those who are more rightwing in the party. The Conservatives can possibly face a significant defeat in the upcoming election, according to Professor John Curtice, a respected polling expert. He recently forecasted that the Conservatives have only a 1 per cent chance of leading the next government. Recent polls indicate that the Conservative Party holds 20 per cent of the vote, narrowly surpassing Reform UK, linked to Nigel Farage, which stands at 16 per cent. In contrast, Labour maintains a substantial lead with 43 per cent of the vote. "I'm not thinking about any kind of leadership campaign. Rishi Sunak is our Prime Minister, I fully expect him to lead us into the next general election,” Braverman said. "I owe that to the people who have sent me to Parliament, and I owe that to you, and so the honest truth is that we are heading for a defeat, to put it mildly, at the general election. I very much hope that we change course and that we improve the offer to the British people. Ultimately, measures on tax cuts, measures on migration, measures on national security and social cohesion are insufficient by this Government." Braverman was sacked as Home Secretary after a turbulent period in November in which she was accused of inspiring clashes between police and far-right thugs at the Cenotaph following her claim that police forces "play favourites" with protest groups. It also came just weeks after she described rough sleeping as being a "lifestyle choice". Braverman was sacked from her role as Home Secretary in November following a chaotic period. During this time, she faced accusations of inciting confrontations between police and far-right individuals at the Cenotaph. Additionally, her dismissal occurred shortly after she controversially characterised rough sleeping as a "lifestyle choice." (With inputs from agencies)

Suella Braverman warns of Tories’ potential defeat in general election

The United Kingdom's conservative party is battling widespread ridicule over a campaign poster the social media post which among other mentions featured King Charles, War Planes and England's football team was hastily deleted. Watch in for more details!

UK: Tories delete social media post after widespread ridicule

More bad news for the UK's conservative party as a new poll that suggests that the Rishi Sunak-led party is on course for its worst election defeat ever. Watch to know more.

UK: Poll suggests conservatives set for worst election results

Reform UK is more popular than at any point in its history, according to opinion polling, which shows 14 per cent of Britons would vote for the party if the general election was held now.

UK PM Rishi Sunak could lose his own constituency, says poll

UK: Keir Starmer's party could win 468 seats, says poll | Big setback for Tories?

UK: Conservatives set for worst election result, PM Sunak may lose in own constituency: Poll

Will Nigel Farage's party challenge Tories?

Reform UK beat Tories among working class | Will Farage's party challenge Tories?

Reform UK ahead of Tories among working class

Will Nigel Farage's party challenge Tories? Reform UK ahead of Tories among working class

Rishi Sunak has insisted that the Conservatives are united despite rampant speculation about a plot to replace him as prime minister before the general election.

UK PM Rishi Sunak faces leadership speculation, says 'Tories absolutely united'

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has insisted "the economy is turning a corner" as he urged mutinous Tory MPs to "stick to the plan" amid reports of a plot to oust him before the election.

UK PM Rishi Sunak urges terrified Tories to 'stick with' his economy plan as he faces flak from MPs

UK MP Diane Abbott has accused the Speaker of the House of Commons of failing the Democracy. The accusation was made after she was not allowed to speak during a debate. Interestingly the debate was focused on comments that were made about her. Watch to know more!

UK PM Rishi Sunak under growing pressure from Tories to return Hester's donation

Boris Johnson will be deployed to campaign for the Tories in the Red Wall at the next general election amid warnings the party could be 'wiped out'. Watch in for more details!

UK: Boris Johnson to campaign for Tories in General Election comeback

Boris Johnson will be deployed to campaign for the Tories in the Red Wall at the next general election amid warnings the party could be 'wiped out'.

UK: Boris Johnson expected to make a general election comeback

UK: Boris Johnson set for big general election comeback

UK: Boris Johnson to campaign for Tories in Red Wall seats

Donation are now puring in for the UK's political parties recieved $119 million in donations last year almost double what they got in 2022. The labour party got its highest-ever amount of private donations across 2023.

UK Labour Party gets highest-ever private funds in 2023, Tories accept $61 mn donations

UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt has presented a crucial pre-election budget. This is possibly the final fiscal event before what is set to be a challenging general election for the ruling conservative party. Hunt has announced that the government will abolish the non-domiciled tax status, implementing a long-standing policy priority for the main opposition labour party. Watch to know more!

UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt announces tax cut of 2 pence off National Insurance

Support for the governing Conservative Party has fallen to the lowest level in more than four decades as a general election draws nearer in an opinion poll published on Monday. Watch in for more details!

UK: Tory approval ratings hit lowest mark

The Tories' popularity is now lower than it has ever been in the last 46 years, according to polling from a leading firm. New survey found that Rishi Sunak's party was polling at just 20%, the lowest level since recorded the firm’s political monitor began in 1978.

UK: Conservative's support hits 46 year-low, Sunak says 'Democracy being deliberately undermined'

Voter troubles continue for the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. As per a recent poll support for the conservative party has fallen to the lowest level in over four decades. Watch this interview to know more!

UK: Tory support drops by 7% points

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