Health leaders in Leeds, West Yorkshire, and Yorkshire and the Humber are lauding the Tobacco and Nicotine Bill as a transformative initiative with the capacity to eliminate smoking within a generation.
Introduced this week, the Bill seeks to significantly lower smoking rates by outlawing the sale of tobacco products (comprising cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes) to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009. This effectively means that anyone under the age of 15 in 2024 will never be legally permitted to purchase tobacco products, even upon reaching adulthood. While expressing appreciation for the Bill, health leaders emphasize the urgency of prompt action and its swift passage through Parliament.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, public health and active lifestyles said:
“We fully support this Bill and are confident that raising the age of sale of tobacco products will delay smoking uptake in Leeds and reduce the number of young people who start smoking in the first place.”
Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health 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. Children who live with someone who smokes are four times more likely to become smokers themselves. Most people who smoke started in childhood.”
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s 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.”
Tobacco use remains a notable public health concern in the UK, contributing to severe illnesses and premature fatalities. Statistics indicate that the majority of smokers initiate this habit during their teenage years. While vaping can assist in smoking cessation and entails only a fraction of the risks associated with smoking, it is not entirely devoid of risk, especially for individuals who have never smoked before.
Health authorities stress the importance of shielding children from the hazards of tobacco usage. By implementing preventive measures such as smoking cessation assistance and addressing youth vaping, significant strides can be taken towards achieving a smoke-free future.
Leeds City Council expressed support for the smoke-free generation initiatives during a consultation phase in 2023, encouraging other local entities, partners, and the public to participate in the consultation process as well.
It’s much easier to stop smoking when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from. Check out our free tools and tips to help you stay on track. Let’s do this www.nhs.uk
