Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty has shared a major update on social media about the UK’s new Tobacco and Vapes Act, hailed as ‘historic’ by health experts, which will create the country’s first smoke-free generation
Sir Chris Whitty has reacted to the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill after it was approved this week, setting the UK on course for “the first smoke-free generation”. This groundbreaking legislation makes it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The government maintains that future generations “will now be saved from the harms of smoking” now that the Bill has officially become law.
Taking effect from January 2027, the NHS states: “Changes are designed to break the cycle of addiction and prevent smoking-related illness, marking a major step towards creating the UK’s first smoke-free generation”. Research indicates that two in three smokers will have their lives shortened by the habit.
The pioneering legislation ensures that youngsters today will never be permitted to purchase cigarettes legally, which the government claims will help halt the cycle of addiction and difficulties that have persisted for decades. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable deaths.
It results in approximately 80,000 deaths annually in the UK, and triggers severe health complications including cancer, heart disease, and strokes. It also places an enormous burden on the NHS and the economy, according to the Mirror. Addressing the nation on X, Sir Chris Whitty announced: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act has now received Royal Assent and becomes law. Smoking has killed and disabled millions of people. Most smokers wish they had never started, but are trapped by addiction to nicotine- addiction takes their choice away.”, reports the Express.
“Smoking increases the risk of bad pregnancy outcomes, stroke, heart disease, lung diseases, dementia, limb amputations and many cancers. This Act, which has wide public support, will create a smoke-free generation.
“Smoking in younger age groups has reduced significantly over the last decade (change in prevalence below). The Act will accelerate this. Some bits of industry are clearly marketing vapes to children. This is utterly unacceptable and risks creating lifelong dependence.”
He continued to reveal that this week’s YouGov polling shows the majority (64%) of the population want smoking to be banned either entirely, or phased out. “Only 22% currently oppose”, he added. “There is strong support for stopping smoking from every age group, area of the country and social group.”
Under the Act, Sir Chris Whitty says a generation will grow up without the substantial harm and disability caused by smoking. “Second-hand smoke also causes significant harm”, he said. “Smoking around schools, playgrounds and hospitals will be banned to protect children and medically vulnerable adults.”
He continued: “Vapes are safer than smoking and can help smokers quit, but if you don’t smoke don’t vape, and marketing of vapes to children is completely unacceptable. The Act will restrict marketing of vapes at children using packaging, colours, flavours and shopfront displays.
“The most deprived areas have worse health outcomes. Smoking is a major cause of this. Most smoking-associated cancers (red arrows below) are highest in areas of deprivation. This Act will reduce the health difference between wealthy and deprived areas.”
The legislation introduces stricter regulations for advertising and promoting tobacco, vapes, and similar products. Retailers will also need to register under a new framework for selling tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products in the UK. This will help ensure consumers are protected and that regulations are better enforced.
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