Keir Starmer defends outdoor smoking ban amid backlash

Sir Keir Starmer has defended his government's decision to consider an outdoor smoking ban for pub gardens and sports venues.

A report released on Thursday morning suggests the prime minister is considering a ban in certain outdoor areas including pub gardens and outside hospitals.

"Over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking.

That's a preventable death and it's a huge burden on the NHS and it's a burden on the taxpayer," Mr Starmer said.

Report by Kennedyl.

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