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Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM said he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

But the bill is one of those that will not get debated, or voted. on, before Parliament closes on Friday ahead of the general election.

Some bills will fail to make it in time in the so-called wash-up period and it will be up to the next government whether to take action.

24 May 2024

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BBC reporter Terel Edmunds holding a BBC News branded mic and wearing a bobble hat which has the word Cymru misspelt as Cyrmu

Can you spot the blunder on this hat?

Protests outside parliament

Noisy protests against martial law outside parliament

President Yoon at a podium

Watch: South Korea's president declares martial law

Police officer holding a child's bike

Police officer uses child's bike to chase suspect on scooter

A man fighting off watch muggers with a takeaway bag

Rolex robbers fought off by grandad with a takeaway

Dr Peter Mackay in a light shirt and tweed jacket, leaning on a pillar of the Central Library in Edinburgh. He is looking at the camera

First Gaelic poet appointed Scotland's Makar

Matte pink luxury car shining under the lights

Watch: How Jaguar's shifted gears with its concept car

Rihanna wearing a pale blue coat and A$AP Rocky standing beside her in a navy suit

Watch Rihanna and A$AP Rocky light up red carpet at UK Fashion Awards

A man is on the left and a woman is on the right.

Americans divided over Biden’s pardon of son Hunter

A man, with brown hair and stubble. He is wearing round, black glasses. The background of the image is green.

Sinn Féin contacts Labour and Social Democrats leaders

A car totally covered in snow

Winter storm blankets eastern North America in heavy snow

BBC News

One-minute World News

Man looks back at a wall falling into a sinkhole

Watch: Wall falls into sinkhole as man interviewed

Car on a slip road going the wrong way onto a dual carriageway

Wrong-way slip road driver caught on dashcam

A drone shot of a sinkhole appearing outside a home

Sinkhole swallows driveway outside home

Jack Reeve's parents Heidi Wells and Chris Reeves travelled to Cheltenham to hear his new voice

Man overcome by new accent ahead of wedding

Birmingham & Black Country

Protesters holding up placards with the Palestinian flag on them standing at the front of a cathedral. A priest in purple robs is standing behind an alter behind them.

Priest responds to pro-Palestinian protest

Northern Ireland

White House decorated with Christmas decorations

The White House celebrates the holidays with 'peace and light'

BBC Newsline

BBC Newsline signed summary

Protests in Georgia

Fireworks fired at police during Georgia protests

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.

Henry Zeffman

How MPs turned to BBC for clarity on election gossip

The BBC's Henry Zeffman describes how Westminster gossip caused mass confusion among staff.