The government is gearing up for the vote on the Health Bill today, which if passed will see the display of tobacco products banned in shops across England.
It is becoming likely that there will be a rebellion from Labour backbenchers over the proposal, as many are concerned that the measures could severely damage trade for small businesses and newsagents.
They are apparently planning to defy the Labour whip who are eager to see the law, which will force shops to keep cigarettes out of customer’s sight, passed.
Some sources are suggesting that 1 in 10 backbenchers are intending to vote against the relevant clause in the bill, influenced by small retailers in their constituencies who have argued that the move would boost the dominance of supermarkets and encourage illegal tobacco sales.
One of the backbenchers leading the rebellion, David Clelland from Tyne Bridge, said that small retailers would suffer from having to renovate their premises and would experience a loss of trade just at the time when pubs and clubs in England have been badly hit by the smoking ban.
However health experts have greeted the bill enthusiastically. In a letter to The Times, experts and health charities came together to say that smoking-related illnesses were responsible for more deaths that alcohol, obesity, drugs and road accidents combined.