News

20/03/24

20 March 2024

Royal College of Physicians welcomes Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Cigarette

Commenting on the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, the RCP's special adviser on tobacco, said:

“Today we’ve moved a step closer to a smokefree generation, as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has its first reading in parliament. Raising the age of sale of tobacco and reducing the availability of e-cigarettes for children will help tackle the significant health risks from tobacco. UCL and ASH estimate that 350 18–25-year-olds start smoking regularly each day.

“The RCP has long called for measures to curb the damage done by smoking, which is the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the UK. This prevention-first approach will pay dividends for future generations as we look to improve public health, reduce demand on the NHS, tackle health inequalities and create a more prosperous society.”