Nigel Farage refers to Australia as he lashes proposed outdoor smoking ban for UK

The controversial Reform UK leader made several claims as he lashed the proposed outdoor smoking ban for Britain while lighting up outside a pub.

Controversial British politician Nigel Farage has claimed smokers are the “heroes of the nation” as he lit up a cigarette outside London pub the Westminster Arms.

The Reform UK leader claimed it’s due to the amount of tax they pay as he puffed away on a Benson and Hedges in response to a proposed outdoor smoking ban.

Mr Farage’s location of choice was pointed, lighting up less than 400m from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official residence at 10 Downing Street.

Leaked papers say ministers could extend an existing indoor smoking ban to beer gardens, small parks, sports ground, children’s play areas, universities and hospital grounds.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Farage said he didn’t think the government had appropriately considered the consequences of the proposal and the impact on business.

“You’ll notice very few people drink inside [the pub], they drink outside it. Why? Because they’re allowed to smoke outside,” he said.

“I’ve been coming here for 30 years, regular basis, every week for 30 years. If the government say that I can’t have a drink and a smoke outside, I won’t come back. And I’m one of hundreds of regular customer of this pub that take that view.”

Mr Farage claims the government is attacking cigarettes instead of illegal drugs.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage smokes a cigarette and drinks a pint of ale outside a pub on August 29, 2024 in London, England. Picture: Getty

Between drags, he pointed to Australia and claimed cigarettes are too heavily taxed and are now being sold under the counter, saying “massive criminal gangs” are behind the trade.

However, smoking is known to cause many health issues, including increasing risks of conditions such as stroke, heart failure, dementia, respiratory issues and many cancers.

UK government data indicates most smokers want to quit, but that they’re unable to follow through due to a nicotine addiction that most commonly starts in adolescence.

In November last year, it announced a plan to create a “smokefree generation”, which includes a host of tougher anti-smoking measures including the new proposed ban.

“I think it’s important to get the balance right,” Sir Keir said.

“We have to relieve the burden [on the NHS] and that’s why I spoke before the election about moving to a preventative model when it comes to health.

“My starting point on this is to remind everyone that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking. That’s a preventable death.

“It’s a huge burden on the NHSs and of course it’s a burden on the taxpayer. So yes, we are going to take decisions in this space.”