Hyndburn MP Graham Jones is 'pleased' with the Parliamentary vote in favour of banning smoking in vehicles carrying children- but what do you think, answer our poll below.
Mr Jones MP could not attend the vote in person on Monday, February 10 but had prior agreed to pair with another MP who also could not attend and was against the motion.
The vote was passed with a majority of 269, with 107 against, and garnered cross party support. Whilst the vote does not directly lead to legislation, it gives the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, the power to impose a ban at his discretion.
Graham Jones MP welcomed the vote saying: "I am pleased with the result, the main thing is the safety of the children, we have got to give them the best possible chance in life."
The British Medical Association which has campaigned for a ban since 2011, said the vote was an "important step forward in reducing tobacco harm".
Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "Having campaigned on this issue for many years, we're absolutely delighted that MPs have backed the ban on smoking in cars carrying children.
"This could prove a great leap forward for the health of our nation's children.
"The introduction of a law that would help prevent hundreds of thousands of children from being exposed to second-hand smoke in the car is now within reach.
"With both Houses of Parliament having made their support for the ban clear, the onus is now on the Government to act accordingly and make this crucial child protection measure law at the earliest opportunity."
The charity estimates that in England more than 430,000 children aged 11 to 15 are exposed to second-hand smoke in cars every week.
Pro-smoking groups branded the move as an "unnecessary intrusion".
Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest, said: "Legislation will have very little impact because so few adults still smoke in cars carrying children. Those that do will carry on because it will be very difficult to enforce.
"Government has banned smoking in public places. Now they're going to ban it in a private place. The home will be next."
