More than 1,200 health professionals have called on political parties to fast-track the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through Parliament, warning that delays could condemn another generation to nicotine addiction.
In an open letter published on Monday (27 October) – as the Bill entered its committee stage in the House of Lords – doctors, midwives, public health directors, smoking cessation advisors, academics, and councillors described the legislation as a “historic opportunity to protect future generations.”
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), an estimated 124,600 young people aged 18–25 have taken up smoking since the Bill was first introduced last November. Around 60,000 of those have started smoking in the past six months alone, during which the Bill has not been debated in Parliament.
The proposed legislation would make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born after 1 January 2009, effectively creating a “smokefree generation.” It also grants new powers to curb the marketing of vapes to children and tighten controls on youth access.
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive at ASH, said: “Every week thousands of young people become trapped in a cycle of deadly addiction that will shorten their lives. Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, killing more than half of long-term users. Politicians can protect future generations by passing this truly game-changing legislation.”
Peter Roderick, spokesperson for addiction at the Association of Directors of Public Health, added: “Smoking doesn’t just kill smokers. It also kills a significant number of non-smokers, including infants and children. This Bill is an opportunity to save even more lives … and give freedom to live a healthier life to the 88% of people who don’t smoke.”
However, while public health experts are united in their support for the Bill, retailers warn that the pace and complexity of new tobacco and vaping regulations risk overwhelming small businesses.
Kay Patel, a Best One retailer, said: “These regulations risk placing even greater strain on responsible retailers, who already invest heavily in compliance, staff training, and technology. Illicit sellers continue to flood the market, undermining both our businesses and the government’s public health objectives.”
The renewed momentum behind the Tobacco and Vapes Bill comes amid strong public support for youth smoking prevention – but also deep divisions over the proposed generational tobacco ban, with surveys showing that 58 per cent of adults prefer alternatives to an outright sales prohibition.