Today, the BMA has welcomed the Tobacco and Vapes Act receiving Royal Assent, marking a significant milestone in efforts to reduce smoking-related harm and address the growing uptake of vaping among children and young adults. The BMA has supported the Act throughout its passage and has consistently called for bold, preventative action to protect public health and reduce avoidable illness.
This legislation represents one of the most significant public health interventions in recent years, with measures aimed at creating a smoke-free generation, limiting access to tobacco, and strengthening the regulation of vaping products. Taken together, these steps have the potential to significantly reduce the long-term burden of disease associated with smoking, ease pressure on health services, and protect children from the harms of both smoking and vaping.
Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, BMA public health medicine committee chair said,
“This is a landmark moment for public health. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death, and without decisive action, too many people will continue to suffer avoidable harm. By taking steps to phase out tobacco sales and tighten controls on vaping, this legislation sends a clear signal about the kind of healthier future we should be striving for.
“It is particularly important that this Act recognises the rapid rise in youth vaping and begins to address how these products are marketed and accessed.
“However, the success of this legislation will depend on sustained commitment. This must include proper funding for local public health services, education, and stop smoking programmes, ensuring that people are supported to quit and that health inequalities related to tobacco and vape use are addressed.”
Professor David Strain, BMA Board of Science chair added,
“Doctors see the human cost of smoking every day. Behind the statistics are patients living with cancer, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular conditions and a wide range of other serious illnesses directly linked to tobacco use. These are often life-limiting conditions that place a huge emotional and physical toll on individuals and their families. Smoking also remains one of the biggest drivers of health inequalities, with the greatest harms felt in the most disadvantaged communities.
“Measures to reduce smoking rates and prevent uptake are therefore critical, not only for improving individual patient outcomes but also for reducing the strain on the NHS. While vaping can play a role in helping some people quit smoking, it is essential that its use is strongly regulated to avoid creating a new generation taking up vaping.
“This legislation is a vital step forward, but it must be matched by investment in frontline services so that clinicians have the tools and support needed to help patients quit successfully and improve their long-term health.”
Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.