MPs have backed a plan to ban anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes, effectively ensuring it will become law.

The measures, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, survived despite opposition from several leading Tory figures – including two ex-PMs.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by 383 votes to 67.

If they become law, the UK’s smoking laws will be among the strictest in the world, although thought to have been inspired by a similar law in New Zealand, which was later repealed after a change in government.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins while speaking in the House of Commons, told MPs “there is no liberty in addiction” as she defended the plans, which she says would create a “smoke free generation”.