ADPH welcomes the progress of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to the House of Lords

Alison Challenger, ADPH Lead for Addiction, has welcomed the approval of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill by the House of Commons.

“Legislation has proved to be effective at reducing smoking rates and we are pleased that MPs have voted to progress the Bill to the House of Lords, which is a significant step in bringing us closer to creating a smoke free generation.

“Smoking kills 64,000 people in the UK every year. It also causes multiple illnesses and diseases including stillbirths, lung disease, heart disease, stroke and dementia. However, every day, 350 young people start smoking regularly.

“As well as causing harm to individuals, smoking also causes harm to those around them through the effects of passive smoking and there is a £17 billion cost to society every year through healthcare, lost productivity and social care costs.

“With the continued progress of the Bill this once in a generation legislation is closer to protecting a new generation from becoming addicted to this lethal product.”