“Smoking may seem like a problem for past generations, but it is still the leading cause of preventable illness and deaths and has an enormous impact on the NHS, costing billions each year through appointments, scans and operations,” says Professor Sanjay Agrawal, NHS England National Speciality Advisor for Tobacco Dependency.
The British Indian Chair of the Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory group and Consultant in Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine warns that vaping is a growing issue, particularly among young people.
He added: “NHS treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, are helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives and we have seen adult smoking rates drop by more than half in the last three decades.
“But there is more to do, so we welcome this public health intervention and look forward to working with government to help the next generation grow up smoke and vape-free.”
He was referring to the UK government’s new Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduced in Parliament this week, packed with measures to create a smoke-free generation, phasing-out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year, breaking the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.
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In addition, the government will be given powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces: with children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all being considered, subject to consultation. This sits alongside a ban in the bill on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes, as well as other nicotine products. Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Prevention is better than cure. This government is taking bold action to create the first smoke-free generation, clamp down on kids getting hooked on nicotine through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from the harms of second-hand smoke.
“This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect the NHS. By building a healthy society, we will also help to build a healthy economy, with fewer people off work sick.”
The government will also take tougher action to crack down on youth vaping, with 25 per cent of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried vaping in 2023. Subject to consultation, the government is considering extending restrictions in places that are currently smoke free to also become vape free, especially in areas where there are children and young adults. Together, these measures will help protect children from becoming hooked on nicotine while continuing to enable adult smokers to use vapes as a quit aid.
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According to the Department of Health and Social Care, tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, responsible for one in four of all cancer deaths and killing up to two-thirds of its long-term users. Smoking also substantially increases the risk of many major health conditions throughout people’s lives, such as strokes, diabetes, heart disease, stillbirth, dementia and asthma.
Official estimates claim smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year in the UK, putting huge pressure on the National Health Service, taking up appointments, scans and operations, and costing taxpayers £3.1 billion a year.
