The UK government has unveiled a package of measures aimed at reducing smoking rates in England to below 5% by 2030. As part of these plans, one million smokers will be offered a free vaping starter kit and behavioural support, in a policy dubbed “swap to stop”. Expecting mothers will also be provided with financial incentives of up to £400 to assist them in ceasing smoking. The government is also considering compelling cigarette manufacturers to include advice on quitting inside their packs.
According to charities, the substitution of cigarettes with vapes is inadequate in addressing addiction.They argue that what is needed is personalised support offered by stop smoking services. Nonetheless, the chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health campaign, Deborah Arnott, has described the proposals as “welcome steps in the right direction”.
UK Government commits to reducing Smoking rates
The UK government has pledged to reduce smoking rates in England to below 5% by 2030. Currently, smoking prevalence in England is 13%, the lowest on record. Last year, a review of the 2030 target warned it will be missed by at least seven years without further action. The government is now taking a range of measures to tackle the issue, including offering free vaping starter kits and financial incentives for pregnant women to quit smoking.
Crackdown on underage and illicit Vape sales
As vaping grows in popularity among young people, the UK government has announced a crackdown on underage and illicit vape sales. NHS figures released last year revealed that 9% of secondary school pupils use a vape regularly or occasionally, including almost one in five 15-year-olds. To combat this, the government is setting up a new trading standards enforcement squad to crack down on illegal sales of vapes to under-18s. A consultation on how to discourage young people from taking up the habit is also being launched.
Different approaches to Vaping and Smoking across the World
The UK is promoting vaping as an alternative to smoking, but other countries have taken different approaches. Various countries, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Iran, India, and Argentina, have banned vaping altogether. According to the Australian government website, possessing or using nicotine vaping products without a doctor’s prescription is illegal, and smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes in enclosed public places such as trains, planes, and buses is also prohibited. Although Turkey has not made vaping illegal, the sales of e-cigarettes are banned.
Read also: Take control of your health this Ramadan by quitting smoking
The UK government has introduced several measures aimed at reducing smoking rates in England, including providing free vaping starter kits and financial incentives for pregnant women to stop smoking. Although some charities believe that substituting cigarettes with vapes is insufficient, the chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health has praised the proposals as “positive steps in the right direction.” The government is also taking action to prevent underage and illegal vaping sales by establishing a new trading standards enforcement team and launching a consultation to discourage young people from adopting the habit.
