MPs back ban on smoking in cars when children present

MPs have backed calls for a ban on smoking in cars in England and Wales when children are passengers, by a majority of 269.

The Labour-supported amendment empowers, but does not compel, the government to make it a criminal offence for drivers to fail to prevent smoking in privately owned vehicles when children are present.

Shadow health minister Luciana Berger said the move was "a simple and straightforward measure that would make a world of difference to hundreds of thousands of children."