Rishi Sunak announces the government’s plans to crack down on anti-social behaviour, including banning nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas or Nos, is an inhaled gas that provides users with a brief and intense high. In England, among 16 to 24-year-olds, it is the second most commonly misused substance after cannabis.

Users often transfer the gas into a balloon before inhaling it, although some may directly inhale it from the canister. When consumed, nitrous oxide slows down the brain and body's reactions.

The effects of nitrous oxide include feelings of euphoria and uncontrollable fits of giggling, which led to its nickname, laughing gas. However, it can also lead to adverse effects such as severe headaches, dizziness, and paranoia.

The ban is part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour. Announcing the ban on Sky News Michael Gove stated it was "absolutely vital that we deal with this scourge".

He continued:

"I think anyone who has the opportunity to walk through our parks in our major cities will have seen these little silver canisters, which are examples of people not only spoiling public spaces but taking a drug which can have a psychological and neurological effect and one that contributes to antisocial behaviour overall."

The ban could mean that supplying or possession of canisters could result in prosecution.