New Zealand's new conservative government has abandoned a groundbreaking plan to ban smoking the country. Last year, New Zealand became the first country the world to introduce legislation to phase the sale of cigarettes. Then leader Jacinda Ardern introduced measures to phase smoking preventing new generations young adults from purchasing cigarettes. The policy was hailed the world as a bold move to improve the health the nation. However, the new Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has controversially done a U-turn and junked Ms Ardern's plans. He said the ban was unaffordable and that the country needed the tax revenues tobacco sales.
The radical smoking ban was a landmark decision that prompted other countries to reconsider their public health policies. The British government followed suit announcing laws that will make it illegal youngsters to buy cigarettes the coming years. A spokesperson said the UK wants "to deliver smoke-free generations". Canada has recently become the first country to require health warnings be put individual cigarettes. Anti-tobacco groups are in arms over Mr Luxon's about-turn. One group said: "Turning the tide harmful products that are entrenched society cannot be done individuals or even communities. It takes good and brave population-level policies."
