Politics latest news: Two-thirds of voters believe Rishi Sunak does not represent ‘change’

Nigel Farage said Rishi Sunak’s plan to ban smoking for young people is “stupid” and government “should not get involved in these things”. 

The former leader of the Brexit Party, who is a smoker, told ITV’s Good Morning Britain programme: “I am a sinner, yes, I get that. But Rishi Sunak is probably the most intelligent prime minister we have had, most decent prime minister too, for many, many years. 

“How a man that clever can bring in a law this stupid I do not know.”

Asked why it was “stupid”, Mr Farage said: “Can you imagine in 10 years;’ time you go into the local shop to buy 20 fags and you are asked for ID? ‘Oh, sorry, you’re only 24, you have got to be 25’. All you do is create a black market and all this focus on smoking ignores a bigger problem.”

Mr Farage said there was a “bigger problem than young people smoking”, telling the broadcaster: “Smoking long term is bad for health. Undeniable. Drugs, short term, are catastrophic for society and young people and that wasn’t even mentioned.” 

He added: “I would argue government should not get involved in these things. Educate people, let them make their own choices.”