Saving us from ourselves? Britain’s ‘nanny state’ debate keeps on rolling

Recent tobacco bill is only the latest measure to have been met with both political and public acceptance – and backlash

Smoking, smacking, smartphones for kids: never mind the “nanny state,” today’s national debate seems crowded with demands for decisive action from politicians to save us – or our children – from ourselves.

Rishi Sunak’s ban on selling cigarettes to under-15s for ever once they come of age is supported by 59% of the public, according to one recent poll.