Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, called it an historic moment for the nation's health, adding: "Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain."
Health minister Baroness Merron told the Lords on Monday: "It is, in fact, the biggest public health intervention in a generation and I can assure all noble Lords it will save lives."
Lord Naseby, a Conservative former MP, said the Tobacco and Vapes Bill "does upset a great many people in that industry", including retailers.
"What we really need is a proper understanding of how we educate people not to take up smoking," he said.
Responding to Lord Naseby, Lady Merron said: "I can overall assure Lord Naseby, as I've done on a number of occasions, about how closely we have worked with retailers, and we will continue to do so."