19/08/2010
Government must not back down over smoking legislation
New figures from the NHS show that the
proportion of adult smokers has not diminished.
It shows just how important legislation banning vending
machines and tobacco product displays is, and we’re
calling on the government to resist calls to reverse these vital
regulations.
A separate and more up-to-date report by the NHS also shows
there are more people successfully kicking the
habit.
Our Director of Policy and Communications Betty McBride, said:
“Whilst it’s good news more people are successfully
quitting, the fact that the proportion of smokers has not
declined as well shows we can’t rest on our laurels.
“The coalition government must resist the heavy mob
calls from the tobacco industry to roll back vital
legislation on vending machines and tobacco product displays.
“It’s so important that we keep working hard to
stop future generations dying as a result of smoking.”
The 2009/10 figures show 373,954 people
reported they had successfully kicked the habit during the year -
an 11 per cent increase on 2008/09.
A separate 2008 report showed 21 per cent of adults were
smokers, the same as in 2007 but lower than the 39 per
cent in 1980.
More information