Public health leaders in West Yorkshire and Yorkshire and the Humber are applauding the introduction of the Tobacco and Nicotine Bill, calling it a “game-changer” with the potential to eradicate smoking within a generation.
The Bill, which will be introduced today (20 March 2024), aims to dramatically reduce smoking rates by prohibiting the sale of tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes) to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. This ensures anyone under 15 in 2024 will never legally purchase tobacco, even as adults.
While commending the Bill, health leaders stress the importance of swift action and passage through parliament.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Chair of West Yorkshire’s Clinical and Care Professional Forum, said: “Our children deserve protection from tobacco, a uniquely lethal consumer product. Tobacco kills up to two in three long term users when used as intended and places a significant burden on health, social care, and the wider economy, damaging productivity through early disease and death.
“This is not just the right thing to do; it's an investment in a healthier future for all. We are confident that raising the age of sale of tobacco products will delay smoking uptake and reduce the number of young people who start smoking in the first place.”
Public health officials endorse proposed measures, particularly raising the sales age.
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Public Health Director, and West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s (WY HCP) Public Health Director Lead said: “Most smokers start young and get ensnared by addiction. The Bill's proposals, with strong public backing, can break this cycle.
“This Bill is a game-changer. We, in West Yorkshire fully support it. It has the power to save lives in our communities for generations.”
Smoking remains a significant public health challenge in the UK, causing serious illnesses and premature deaths. Data shows most smokers begin as teenagers. While vaping can aid smoking cessation and poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking, it is not completely risk-free, particularly for people who have never smoked.
Health leaders emphasise protecting children from the dangers of tobacco use. By implementing preventative measures like smoking cessation support and addressing youth vaping, we can make significant progress towards a smoke-free future.
In an open response published in December last year, Cathy Elliott, Chair of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, Councillor Tim Swift, Chair of WY HCP; Rob Webster CEO for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board; Dr James Thomas, Medical Director for NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Chair of West Yorkshire’s Clinical and Care Professional Forum; and Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Public Health Director, and WY HCP Public Health Director Lead set out their reasons for backing proposals for a smokefree generation.
