More than 1,200 public health leaders have urged the UK Parliament to swiftly pass the tobacco and vapes bill, emphasizing the need to “protect future generations.” In a letter signed by doctors, nurses, and public health directors, these leaders described the proposed legislation as “far too important to let it slip off the agenda.” The bill is currently set to undergo scrutiny by the House of Lords as it enters its committee stage.
The proposed legislation aims to make it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to ever buy tobacco. Additionally, it seeks to introduce regulations on the packaging, marketing, and flavors of e-cigarettes. The letter highlights a significant delay between the bill’s second reading and the recent debate, which lasted six months.
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, stated, “Every week, thousands of young people become trapped in a cycle of deadly addiction that will shorten their lives. Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, killing more than half of long-term users. Politicians can protect future generations by passing this truly gamechanging legislation.”
Current statistics indicate that 11.9% of adults in the UK smoke, translating to approximately 6 million individuals. Peter Roderick, spokesperson for the Association of Directors of Public Health, noted that the bill presents an opportunity to “save even more lives” and protect future generations from addiction to tobacco.
Despite the overwhelming support for the bill, tobacco groups have threatened the government with legal action over the proposed generational ban. These groups have actively sought support from right-wing Members of Parliament, aiming to dilute the proposals.
In June, The Guardian and the non-profit newsroom, The Examination, reported that Tory peer Ed Vaizey had suggested delaying a key aspect of the bill, specifically a ban on heated tobacco. This proposal came shortly after a leading cigarette company funded a visit for him to its research facility in Switzerland.
A survey conducted by the smokers’ rights group Forest revealed that among over 2,000 adults, 58% would prefer an alternative to a generational ban. Additionally, a quarter of respondents supported maintaining the legal age for tobacco sales at 18, while a third indicated that the age should be raised to 21.
The call from public health leaders underscores the urgency for the UK Parliament to act on the tobacco and vapes bill, as it seeks to implement measures that could significantly reduce smoking rates and protect the health of future generations.
