Recently, Members of Parliament (MPs) made a significant decision affecting young people in England born after 2009: they voted to prohibit them from purchasing cigarettes. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to create a smoke-free generation.

Smoking poses a grave risk to health, being the leading preventable cause of illness and death globally. In England alone, approximately 64,000 people succumb to smoking-related diseases each year, including lung cancer, stroke, and heart attacks. The economic toll is also substantial, with smoking-related illnesses costing around £14 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.

Research underscores the critical role of early prevention in curbing smoking rates. Most smokers begin in their teenage years and struggle with nicotine addiction throughout their lives. Quitting smoking is notoriously difficult, often requiring numerous attempts before success is achieved.

Curbing smoking among young people offers immense public health benefits. While smoking rates have declined in the UK in recent decades, targeting youth smoking could further reduce the burden of preventable diseases associated with tobacco use.

Smoking not only affects smokers but also exposes non-smokers to serious health risks, particularly through secondhand smoke exposure. Children, babies, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable, facing increased risks of various health complications due to tobacco exposure.

However, banning cigarette sales to young people alone won’t suffice to eradicate smoking. Enforcement of such bans is crucial, alongside addressing the issue of illicit tobacco sales. Moreover, comprehensive measures are needed, including educational campaigns, smoke-free policies, and support for smoking cessation.

Assisting those who wish to quit smoking is paramount. Strategies like plain packaging and taxation on tobacco products can deter smoking while promoting safer alternatives like vaping, although vigilance is needed to prevent youth uptake of vaping.

The UK’s past tobacco control efforts have yielded positive results, but continued action is necessary to prevent further loss of lives due to smoking-related diseases. By implementing comprehensive measures and supporting smokers who want to quit, the government aims to significantly reduce smoking-related harm and create a healthier future for generations to come.