The government’s plans to outlaw smoking and address youth vaping are moving forward as thousands of respondents inform the “smokefree generation” consultation.
The smoking policy means that anyone born in 2009 or after will not be able to purchase tobacco products, which is tantamount to the most significant public health intervention in decades.
Furthering the government's stop smoking agenda is another £70m of investment which has been ringfenced for local cessation services and every local authority in England – more than doubling the existing funding for these services.
Quitting before reaching the age of 30 could add 10 extra years to someone’s life, according to the government. Those who stop smoking for 28 days are also five times more likely to quit permanently.
🚭 Nobody wants their child to smoke - it's an addiction which kills tens of thousands of people a year.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) November 8, 2023
🧒 That's why the King's Speech introduced plans for a historic new law to prevent the next generation from taking up the habit.
Share your views: https://t.co/cTNgtqEmix pic.twitter.com/4Py1alF2E0
The Department of Health and Social Care expects the new round of funding to support approximately 360,000 people to quit smoking.
“The increased new investment of £70 million per year will double current funding for such services and will help save countless lives up and down the country,” said the health secretary, Steve Barclay.
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, added: “The response to the consultation shows people care strongly about this issue.”
He continued: “If passed, the bill will help ensure the next generation is smoke free and the additional funding will help current smokers stop, preventing major future harm.”
The live consultation closes on Wednesday 6 December.
Image credit: iStock
