Key Points
- Lord Strathcarron acknowledged he discussed the tobacco control bill with a relative in a high-level position at BAT.
- He has proposed removing the “generational smoking ban” (which would prohibit sales to those born after 2008) in favour of raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 21.
- BAT denies awareness of any contact and warns that a generational ban could stimulate illicit tobacco trade.
- The episode has reignited scrutiny of lobbying influence and conflict-of-interest transparency in the House of Lords.
According to The Guardian, Lord Strathcarron, a peer in the UK House of Lords, admitted that he discussed the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill with an in-law who occupies a senior position at British American Tobacco (BAT).
The bill, introduced by the UK government, includes a “generational smoking ban” provision that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008.
Lord Strathcarron has submitted amendments that would remove the generational ban element and instead raise the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21 — a position aligned with BAT’s publicly stated lobbying stance.
During a debate in the Lords, Strathcarron described cigars as “harmless” — a characterization that is contradicted by research showing that regular cigar smoking can carry mortality risks equal to or exceeding those of cigarettes.
In comments to the press, Strathcarron said he did not initially consider the family connection relevant for declaration because the relative was “barely family.” He also remarked that peers often rely on lobbying organisations and pressure groups for research and help with drafting legislation. He cites close contact with groups including Action on World Health.
BAT responded that it was not aware of any engagement between a company employee and Lord Strathcarron and declined to name any employee. A BAT spokesperson said: “While we support the UK government’s smoke-free ambition, we believe the generational smoking ban would increase the illicit market and incentivize criminals.”
Under the House of Lords’ Code of Conduct, members must declare and resolve any interests or relationships that could influence their exercise of public duty and must not act to gain material benefit for themselves, family or friends.
