Action on Smoking and Health (UK)

As a teenager in the 90s, I'm both nostalgic and slightly bewildered by the current revival of that era. While some trends bring back fun memories, one we should firmly leave behind is the glamourisation of smoking, which contributed to the high teenage smoking rates I remember all too well. I explored this issue in an op-ed for the BMJ. https://lnkd.in/eE2ngx5W

New research from our latest survey shows that councils have expanded stop smoking services thanks to extra government funding. For the first time in a decade, *every* surveyed council commissions a stop smoking service, providing vital support for people looking to quit. Future progress is still at risk. While funding is guaranteed for another year, councils face uncertainty about long-term financial support. This makes recruitment, planning, and service delivery harder, threatening essential services. We’re calling on the government to secure stop smoking services by introducing a tobacco levy, ensuring councils can continue supporting communities most in need. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDSdKB7Z

New research from our latest survey shows that councils have expanded stop smoking services thanks to extra government funding. For the first time in a decade, *every* surveyed council commissions a stop smoking service, providing vital support for people looking to quit. Future progress is still at risk. While funding is guaranteed for another year, councils face uncertainty about long-term financial support. This makes recruitment, planning, and service delivery harder, threatening essential services. We’re calling on the government to secure stop smoking services by introducing a tobacco levy, ensuring councils can continue supporting communities most in need. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDSdKB7Z

We are delighted that the Second Reading of the #TobaccoAndVapesBill passed yesterday, with an overwhelming majority: 415 ayes and 47 noes. Politicians from all parties backed the Bill, advancing this historic legislation to the Committee stage. This landmark legislation will phase out tobacco sales for future generations and strengthen regulations to tackle youth vaping. Alongside the vote, the Government announced £70 million for local authorities and £10 million for enforcement, providing vital support to help the UK’s 6 million smokers quit and protect young people from harm. The message is clear: ending the harms of smoking is a national priority with cross-party support and public backing. The Bill now heads to the Committee stage, where the finer details will be shaped – another step closer to a smokefree future! #TobaccoAndVapesBill #SmokefreeGeneration #PublicHealth

What’s next for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill? The Bill is back in Parliament, and the process to turn it into law is now underway. But what happens now, and what challenges could it face? We’ve broken it all down in our latest blog — covering what’s coming next and why this Bill could be a game-changer for tobacco control. Take a look: https://lnkd.in/e8KkbVvV

"What one thing would you change about the NHS?" We asked our partners to share their ideas to help build a health service fit for the future. Add your voice: https://lnkd.in/es62vpDc Featuring: Hazel Cheeseman Action on Smoking and Health (UK) Sonya Trivedy Samaritans Charles Kwaku-Odoi DL MFPH Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) Professor Oonagh Smyth Skills for Care Nicola Stockmann Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) Rachel Power The Patients Association

Yesterday marked an important step in the journey towards a #SmokefreeUK. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has returned to Parliament with strong support from MPs, health charities, and communities across the country. This significant Bill includes measures to: 🔸 Gradually raise the legal age for tobacco sales, aiming to protect future generations. 🔸 Strengthen regulations on vapes to reduce youth exposure. 🔸 Expand smokefree spaces, giving local councils more power to create healthier environments. With backing from voters across political lines – including 74% of Labour, 70% of Conservative, and 75% of Liberal Democrat supporters – it's clear the UK is committed to reducing the harm caused by tobacco. This Bill represents a critical opportunity to safeguard public health and improve outcomes for the next generation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dxTg-RKX #TobaccoAndVapesBill #PublicHealth #SmokefreeGeneration

On Monday, ASH had the privilege of bringing together politicians, smoking survivors, and bereaved families at the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health. The event highlighted the Government’s bold plans to create a Smokefree future, with the reintroduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill leading the way. The Bill aims to raise the age of tobacco sales annually, ensuring that no one born after 2009 will ever legally be sold tobacco. It also includes essential measures to tackle youth vaping. As Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne emphasised, prevention is key: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be the biggest public health intervention since smoking was banned in indoor public spaces. This Bill will not only save thousands of lives but ease the pressures on the NHS. By building a healthier society, we will help to build a healthy economy.” Cross-party support for the policy was evident, with Shadow Public Health Minister Ben Spencer calling the Bill a “game changer” in public health. We also heard powerful personal stories from smoking survivors including Sue Mountain, whose heartfelt plea reminded us why urgent action is needed: “Every day more children start to smoke [...] this is about a better life for our children and grandchildren.” Thanks to all the parliamentarians, friends and supporters who joined us for a great event. We look forward to continuing to work together towards a Smokefree UK. #PublicHealth #TobaccoControl #SmokingSurvivors #TobaccoAndVapesBill

Our research of industry data has found that #tobaccocompanies make excessive industry #profits in the UK. This letter from Action on Smoking and Health (UK), which is signed by J Robert Branston and references our work, urges the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to make #BigTobacco pay for preventing the harm from smoking. #PolluterPays Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWshJdiQ

We are pleased to announce that Caroline Cerny will take up the role of deputy chief executive of ASH, effective from October 2024. With more than 15 years in the NGO sector campaigning for policy change on public health issues, Caroline will bring a wealth of experience to ASH. Before joining Bite Back, Caroline led the Obesity Health Alliance since its inception in 2016, helping secure vital policy change on unhealthy food and drink advertising and the soft drinks industry levy. Caroline has also worked at Cancer Research UK and the Department of Health and Social Care. “There’s never been a more exciting time to work on tobacco and vaping policy, with bold new legislation in the pipeline." Caroline said. "I am also looking forward to supporting a powerful new collaboration in the sector that will drive greater progress across the leading causes of preventable ill health, enable people to lead healthier lives and realise the vision of a smokefree country more rapidly.” Commenting on the appointment, incoming Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman said: “We are delighted that Caroline will be joining us to support the organisation in its next phase. Under Deborah’s leadership so much has been achieved and we now have the chance to truly chart the path to end smoking in this country. Caroline brings deep knowledge of wider public health agenda and the campaigning zeal we need to truly make smoking history.” Read more in our press release: https://lnkd.in/eVyFQRCT