Sir Graham Brady MP was one of dozens of Tory MPs to rebel against the party's plan for a blanket ban on smoking for those born after 2008.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill revealed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year received its second reading in the House of Commons this week.

The bill aims to reduce the prevalence of any smoking-related illnesses and to reduce the pressure of these smoking-related illnesses on the NHS via a blanket ban on smoking for those born after 2008. It includes a number of other measures to tackle youth vaping too.

Sir Graham, the MP for Altrincham and Sale West, was one of dozens of Tory MPs to rebel against the party's plan alongside other prominent politicians including Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick, Jacob Rees-Mogg and ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss.

ALSO READ: Sir Graham Brady MP in tell-all book on career in Commons.

Sir Graham, who is a non-smoker, told The Messenger: "I believe my adult constituents are capable of making their own judgments within the law and do not need the government to tell them what to do. 

"Whilst I support sensible restrictions on vaping being targeted at children I could not support legislation to treat my adult constituents as if they were incapable of making sensible choices for themselves."

The rebellion did not derail the Tobacco and Vapes Bill thanks to significant support for it from opposition parties including the Labour Party.

Mike Kane, the MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, and Andrew Western, the MP for Stretford and Urmston, were among the supporters.

Wes Streeting, their Shadow Health Secretary, said: "[Smoking] is an addiction, a scourge on society, a burden on our NHS and a drag on our economy and it is time to consign it to the dustbin of history. 

"Let us act today so that the next generation of young people can live healthier, happier, and longer lives than the generations before them." 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.