The cig debate

PM: Ban will save lives and cut NHS costs | Hospitality chiefs warn of pub closures

- ASHLEY COWBURN, SOPHIE HUSKISSON

KEIR Starmer has defended plans to ban smoking in pub beer gardens amid criticism from hospitality chiefs who fear it will spark closures.

The PM said at least 80,000 people a year die from cigarettes and smoke-related illnesses, costing the NHS billions annually.

As Mr Starmer considers tough measures for a smoke-free Britain, a YouGov poll last night found 58% of adults backed the outdoor ban, as opposed to 35% who do not.

But pubs already decimated by the pandemic and other financial factors voiced dismay.

Mr Starmer's move would harden the ban on indoor smoking in bars, restaurants and nightclubs that was imposed in 2007.

He said: "More than 80,000 people lose their lives through smoking every year. That's a huge impact on the NHS and of course the cost is picked up by the taxpayer.

We can't walk past that.

"We have to FEAR Ms Nicholls be clear about preventative measures so, yes, I do support the measures.

"I want us to move to a smoke-free environment. I want to reduce the burden on the NHS."