The British government plans to ban smoking outside schools, hospitals and playgrounds as a way of reducing the pressure on the state-run National Health Service and the cost to taxpayers, writes Reuters.

The government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday involving some of the world"s strictest anti-smoking rules, including banning younger people from smoking.

However, the government abandoned plans for a ban on smoking outside pubs and cafes after concerns were raised about the impact on the hospitality industry.

“Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS”, the health minister Wes Streeting said: “This historic legislation will save thousands of lives”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in August he supported the idea of banning smoking in outdoor spaces, such as pub gardens. The British Beer and Pub Association said that plan, opens new tab was “deeply concerning” and would have a “devastating impact” on venues already struggling with rising costs.