In a noteworthy stride to combat smoking, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a progressive plan to incrementally raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes in England. Under this proposed legislation, the legal age for buying cigarettes will increase by one year annually, signifying a robust crackdown on smoking habits. Sunak affirmed that this strategic measure aims to prevent teenagers from initiating this detrimental habit. He stated, “People take up cigarettes when they’re young – four in five smokers have started by the time they’re 20. If we could break that cycle, if we could stop the start, then we would be on our way to ending the biggest cause of preventable death and disease in our country.”
Additionally, Sunak addressed the concerning rise in vaping among children, outlining plans to limit the availability of vapes to young individuals. He emphasized the urgency of acting before vaping becomes an endemic issue, stating, “One in five children have used vapes. We must act before it becomes endemic. So we will also bring forward measures to restrict the availability of vapes to our children, looking at flavours, packaging displays, and disposable vapes.”
The proposed legislation will undergo parliamentary scrutiny, and Sunak clarified that the decision will be left to the conscience of parliamentarians. Downing Street anticipates that these measures will lead to a significant reduction in the number of smokers, estimating up to 1.7 million fewer people smoking by 2075.
While proponents view this initiative as a crucial step toward fostering a smoke-free generation, critics express concerns about potential black market activities. Despite this, Sunak’s move echoes the government’s 2019 ambition to make England smoke-free by 2030, reinforcing the commitment to curbing preventable diseases and promoting public health. Stay updated on the evolving legislative landscape, as the nation navigates towards a healthier future.
