The NHS spends roughly £3 billion ($5.67 billion) annually on treating smoking-related illnesses, with wider economic costs estimated to exceed £20 billion.UK health minister Gillian Merron told the House of Lords on Monday the move was "the biggest public health intervention in a generation"."I can assure all noble Lords it will save lives," she said.The law, which is due to receive royal assent next week, also tightens controls on vaping, which has become a key focus for policymakers over concerns of youth uptake and nicotine dependence.Vaping devices and other nicotine products will be prohibited for under‑18s, while advertising displays, free giveaways, and discounts will also be banned.Last year, the UK government banned the sale of single-use or disposable vapes over environmental concerns and their use by young people "The UK and New Zealand have responded to the specific tactics of big tobacco marketed to their populations, and we will monitor their implementation success with interest."The government introduced comprehensive tobacco control reforms in 2023, which included restrictions on vaping sales to anyone without a prescription — among the toughest in the world.However, the measures have been criticised for inadvertently pushing nicotine users towards the black market, fuelling organised crime, and leading to a rise in gang violence.Last month, the government announced plans to give investigators further powers to target criminal gangs cashing in on illicit tobacco and vape sales