One sentence summary – The UK government is reportedly considering a smoking ban as part of an effort to gradually phase out cigarettes for the next generation, with measures such as raising the legal smoking age and potentially banning single-use vapes, in line with New Zealand’s approach, to reduce smoking rates and safeguard public health.
At a glance
- The UK government is considering a smoking ban to phase out cigarettes for the next generation.
- The proposal is inspired by New Zealand’s approach to smoking.
- The government is exploring measures such as raising the legal smoking age.
- The goal is to become smoke-free by 2025 and reduce smoking-related health risks.
- The proposal has support from anti-smoking organizations but is opposed by Forest.
The details
The UK government is reportedly considering a smoking ban.
This is part of an effort to gradually phase out cigarettes for the next generation.
The government is led by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
The proposal is inspired by New Zealand’s approach to smoking.
The government is exploring measures such as progressively raising the legal smoking age.
A major review supporting this proposal was conducted by Dr Javed Khan.
Dr Khan suggests that implementing the ban by 2026 would prevent anyone aged 15 and under from ever being able to purchase cigarettes.
This plan aligns with the government’s consumer-focused agenda in the run-up to next year’s election.
Currently, the legal age for buying cigarettes in England and Wales is 18.
This age limit was increased from 16 in 2007.
The UK government aims to become smoke-free by 2025, following New Zealand’s target.
The goal is to curb smoking rates and safeguard public health.
The government is also contemplating a ban on single-use vapes.
This is due to concerns about children becoming addicted to them.
The Department of Health and Social Care has received calls from medical institutions to protect children’s health.
A consultation on the proposed ban will be launched.
Dr Khan’s report warns that England risks missing the government’s target of becoming smoke-free by 2030 without swift action.
The government hopes to reduce smoking-related health risks and associated costs by making it illegal for the next generation to purchase cigarettes.
The annual cost of smoking to society is estimated to be £17 billion.
£2.4 billion of this is allocated to the National Health Service (NHS) alone.
The proposal to raise the legal smoking age has garnered support from Action on Smoking & Health (Ash), a prominent anti-smoking organization.
However, the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest) opposes this ban.
Forest argues that the ban may push cigarette sales underground and into the hands of criminal gangs.
The government aims to encourage more people to quit smoking altogether in conjunction with the efforts to reduce smoking rates.
Achieving the ambition of becoming smoke-free by 2030 remains a priority.
The potential introduction of fines for missing GP or hospital appointments has stirred debates within the Tory party.
Recent controversy surrounding the prime minister’s backtracking on a key climate pledge has also stirred debates.
Downing Street has not confirmed or denied whether it will accept the recommendation to ban cigarette sales to young people.
The government’s commitment to public health and its determination to tackle smoking-related issues remain at the forefront of its agenda.
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| independent.co.uk |
|---|
| – Rishi Sunak is considering a ban on smoking as part of an effort to phase out cigarettes for the next generation. – |
| The UK government is looking at measures similar to those implemented by New Zealand, which involved gradually increasing the legal smoking age. |
| – A major review led by Dr Javed Khan supported the proposals to raise the legal smoking age, suggesting that if implemented by 2026, anyone aged 15 and under now would never be able to buy cigarettes. – |
| The plan is part of a consumer-focused drive by the government ahead of next year’s election. – |
| The legal age for buying cigarettes in England and Wales is currently 18, raised from 16 in 2007. – New Zealand banned the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, with the aim of becoming smoke-free by 2025. – |
| The UK government is also planning to ban single-use vapes due to concerns about children becoming addicted to them. – |
| The Department of Health and Social Care will launch a consultation on the ban after calls from medical institutions to protect children’s health. |
| – Dr Khan’s report warned that without urgent action, England would miss the government target of becoming smoke-free by 2030. – |
| The plan, if agreed, would make it illegal for the next generation to buy cigarettes. – |
| The annual cost of smoking to society is estimated to be £17 billion, with £2.4 billion going to the NHS alone. |
| – Action on Smoking & Health (Ash) supports raising the legal smoking age, while the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest) opposes it. |
| – Forest argues that a ban would drive the sale of cigarettes underground and into the hands of criminal gangs. – |
| The government wants to encourage more people to quit smoking and meet the ambition of becoming smoke-free by 2030. |
| – Rishi Sunak may also consider reviving the idea of fining people £10 for missing a GP or hospital appointment. – |
| The prime minister’s recent backtracking on a key climate pledge has caused controversy within the Tory party. – Downing Street has not denied the possibility of accepting a recommendation to ban cigarette sales to young people. |
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