Tobacco control has been a key public health focus in the UK, with significant measures implemented in recent years. In 2023-2024, the government continued its push towards a smokefree generation by 2030, although challenges remain.
In October 2023, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlined ambitious proposals to ban the sale of cigarettes to individuals born after 2009, effectively raising the legal age of sale by one year each year. This legislation, if passed, would gradually phase out smoking entirely among future generations. This move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle smoking, which also includes increased funding for stop smoking services and promoting vaping as a cessation tool.
However, despite these initiatives, smoking remains a major public health issue, particularly in deprived areas. Data from the Office for National Statistics in 2022 revealed that smoking rates remain highest in areas such as Kingston upon Hull and Blackpool, where over 18% of the population are smokers. Comparatively, more affluent areas like Stafford saw rates as low as 2.9%.
In terms of health inequalities, smoking is disproportionately prevalent among people with lower socio-economic status, particularly in manual labour occupations, and those with no formal qualifications. As of 2022, 27.2% of people with no qualifications smoked, compared to just 6.5% of those with a degree.
The government’s Smokefree 2030 ambition faces setbacks, with predictions that without further action, England could miss its target by up to seven years. New measures are being consulted to address this, including increased regulation of vape products, funding for cessation services, and raising public awareness of the harms of tobacco use.
In summary, while the UK continues to make strides in tobacco control, further action and investment will be needed to meet the ambitious 2030 target and reduce the persistent health inequalities linked to smoking.
