UK ban on laughing gas sale or possession poised to go ahead

Suella Braverman pushing plan to change law on nitrous oxide as part of crackdown on antisocial behaviour

The Home Office is preparing to introduce a long-mooted ban on the sale or possession of nitrous oxide, one of the most popular recreational drugs among young people, as part of a wider crackdown on antisocial behaviour.

The plan is being pushed by the home secretary, Suella Braverman, according to officials, and would lead to people found with laughing gas, which is usually inhaled from balloons filled via small metal cylinders, facing prosecution.