BHF welcomes the introduction of ‘landmark’ Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to protect future generations across the UK from the harmful effects of smoking, will be introduced to Parliament today – not a moment too soon.

Man holding e-cigarette in one hand and cigarette in the other

The Bill will ensure that children turning 15 this year or younger will never legally be sold tobacco.

Smoking continues to have a huge impact on our national health - it is estimated that at least 15,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease each year in the UK are attributable to smoking.

The Department of Health and Social care says smoking costs the NHS and the economy an estimated £17 billion a year. It is highly addictive, with 4 in 5 smokers starting before the age of 20 and remaining addicted for the rest of their lives. This puts huge pressure on the NHS, with someone admitted to hospital with a smoking relating condition almost every minute in England.

To address a significant rise in the number of children using vapes, the Bill will also introduce measures to restrict vape flavours and packaging that are intentionally marketed at children. The powers will also allow government to change how vapes are displayed in shops, moving them out of sight of children and away from products that appeal to them, like sweets.

Commenting on the Bill, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “This important change will save thousands of lives and billions of pounds for our NHS, freeing up new resource than can be spent to improve outcomes for patients right across the UK”.

Landmark legislation

Responding to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being introduced to Parliament, our chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths, said: “This landmark legislation to create a smokefree generation has entered the House of Commons not a moment too soon. It is shocking that today smoking still takes so, so many lives across the UK, and tough measures must be taken to ensure future generations don’t die early because of tobacco.

“We welcome the Government’s pledge to raise the age of sale for tobacco every year and take action to make vaping less appealing to young people. We know the vast majority of the public back this Bill, and we urge MPs of all parties will get behind this life-saving legislation.”