According to the Guardian, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will have its first reading in the House of Commons tomorrow.
It follows a similar report by the Express on Friday (which I was a little sceptical about) so it seems the legislation is finally edging forward, albeit a few weeks later than expected.
If you're not familiar with it, it's worth reading about the legislative process.
There is no debate at the first reading of a bill. That happens at the second reading which usually follows two weeks later, although in this instance that would be during the Easter recess, so if the first reading is tomorrow we must assume the second reading will be scheduled for mid April.
(Note to self: never assume anything!)
The second reading is followed by the committee stage and then the report stage (when amendments are discussed).
The third reading of a bill takes place in the Commons after the report stage in the House of Lords and that ought to be that, although some bills can move backwards and forwards between the two Houses before agreement is reached and the legislation moves on to Royal Assent.
Reports currently suggest that upwards of 70 Tory MPs may vote against the generational ban which would embarrass the prime minister without actually derailing a measure that has the support of the Labour Party.
One amendment I've heard suggested would replace the ban with a new age restriction – raising the age of sale from 18 to 21 – but whether Sunak would accept that change to his flagship policy remains to be seen.
I guess it comes down to numbers and the strength of feeling among Conservative backbenchers.
Another complication concerns the plan to ban disposable vapes because that too is controversial, but how many Conservative MPs are prepared to vote against their own government ahead of an election?
Then again, given the polls, what have they to lose? Ditto those who are standing down.
I’ll keep you posted. Either way it's going to be an interesting few weeks.
See: Sunak braces for backlash as smoking ban bill to be introduced in Commons (Guardian)