UK Finance Minister Plans Record Tobacco Tax Hike

Recently, according to the Daily Mail, Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK, is planning to implement the biggest tobacco tax increase in British history.

According to reports, Hunter will officially release the budget proposal on March 15th, which includes a tobacco tax increase. A pack of 20 cigarettes will increase by £1.15 (approximately RMB 9.5), representing an increase of over 15%.

Although tobacco taxes usually increase with inflation, some smokers in the UK are hoping the government will temporarily delay the implementation of this decision due to the current high level of inflation.

The tobacco tax has generated nearly £11 billion in revenue for the government, representing 1.2% of all tax revenue for the year. Britain aims to reduce the proportion of smokers in the population to below 5% by the end of the century.

Earlier this year, a public opinion poll revealed that most British people wish to immediately ban the sale of cigarettes. According to a survey conducted by MailOnline, 52% of respondents support a "complete" ban on purchasing cigarettes, while 31% "strongly" support a ban on their sale.

The findings of the survey could provide legislators and health experts with more confidence that public opinion is nearing a crucial moment in favor of a smoking ban. It is reported that the UK previously implemented a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants in 2006 and 2007.

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Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is reportedly considering increasing the tax on tobacco in line with inflation, resulting in a £1.15 rise in the price of a pack of cigarettes, according to sources. The potential move is expected to be announced in next month's budget.