FPH supports Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Today, the Government has laid the Tobacco and Vapes Bill before Parliament.

These proposals, which include annually raising the legal age of tobacco sale, are a significant step towards addressing the immense harm caused by smoking to individuals, families, the NHS, and our economy.

Despite progress, smoking remains the single greatest cause of health inequalities in the UK; driving death, disability, dementia and poverty across the whole population, but particularly in the most vulnerable groups where smoking rates remain stubbornly high.

Every year around 76,000 people in the UK die from smoking, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illness. It is also estimated that smoking costs the NHS and the economy £17 billion a year.

The Bill will also introduce new powers to restrict vape flavours and packaging that is intentionally marketed at children. Whilst vapes have been proven to be an effective tool in helping adult smokers quit, the long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown, and we must prevent children and people who have never smoked from vaping.

This legislation - if implemented - is an historic opportunity to turn the tide on the devastating impacts of smoking on the UK population, and give an entire generation the best chance for good health.

The Faculty, along with our cross-system partners including Action on Smoking Health, support the Tobacco and Vapes Bill - and urge Faculty members to write to their MP using this template letter to support the legislation as it moves through Parliament.