Landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law, marking major win for public health
Responding to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill gaining Royal Assent, Samantha Field, Senior Fellow (Prevention) at the Health Foundation, said:
‘Today marks a major step towards protecting future generations from nicotine addiction and the long-term harms of tobacco. It represents a real shift in the UK’s public health strategy, but the job is far from done.
‘Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death, disability and ill health. In England’s most deprived communities, around 1 in 5 people still smoke, compared with just 1 in 20 in the least deprived areas.
'As our new analysis published this week shows, these inequalities drive a stark gap in healthy life expectancy between rich and poor areas, which has widened to around 20 years. Targeted stop smoking support for those most at risk is therefore essential.
‘Children also need stronger protection from second-hand smoke, and more robust smoke‑free places legislation alongside effective implementation will be key to closing that gap.
‘Youth vaping is creating a new route into nicotine addiction. The strength of regulations on flavours, packaging and display and how effectively they are enforced will determine whether the bill truly protects children or continues to leave them at risk of nicotine addiction.
‘Royal Assent is an important milestone, but the focus must now shift to ensuring this legislation delivers the healthier future it promises.’
Media contact
Jessica Clinkett
jessica.clinkett@health.org.uk
020 7664 4647