Building a Smoke-Free Future: Bold Plans Need Solid Support
The UK is taking ambitious steps toward a smoke-free future, but a lack of funding certainty threatens to undermine this historic opportunity. Recent legislation and initiatives demonstrate remarkable progress in tobacco control, yet they face critical challenges that must be addressed to sustain and accelerate the momentum.
The Vision: A Smoke-Free Generation
On November 26, 2024, the UK Parliament passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill with an overwhelming majority, marking a transformative moment in public health policy. The Bill aims to prohibit the sale of tobacco, herbal smoking products, and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. This bold move seeks to phase out smoking entirely for future generations, positioning the UK as a global leader in tobacco control.
The legislation goes beyond traditional smoking products, targeting the rapidly growing vaping market with bans on advertising, sponsorship, and loose flavour regulations. It also introduces stricter rules for packaging and display, mirroring efforts that have successfully reduced cigarette sales. Additionally, a ban on disposable vapes, effective June 2025, addresses both public health and environmental concerns. These disposable devices, which have surged in popularity among youth, pose a significant waste issue, with 5 million discarded weekly in the UK alone.
A System Under Strain
Despite these groundbreaking policies, the effectiveness of the UK’s tobacco control strategy is at risk due to uncertain funding. Local councils, which play a vital role in implementing stop smoking services, report that short-term funding arrangements make it challenging to recruit staff, plan initiatives, and commission essential programs.
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Cancer Research UK warn that this lack of financial stability jeopardizes progress toward a smoke-free future. Although the previous government committed an additional £70 million annually to stop smoking services until 2030, including the innovative “swap to stop” scheme offering free e-cigarettes to help smokers quit, the current government has only guaranteed funding for the next financial year. Key elements such as the public health grant—which covers half the cost of local stop smoking services—remain uncertain.
The Impact of Stop Smoking Services
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Stop smoking services are a cornerstone of public health, helping thousands quit smoking each year. In the past five years alone, 2.7 million people in the UK successfully used vapes to stop smoking, according to ASH research.
However, the progress achieved by these services could stall without long-term investment. Public health funding has been eroded by a decade of cuts, with the grant reduced by 28% per person in real terms. While ring-fenced funding like the £70 million boost has made a difference, it leaves vital services vulnerable to unstable financial arrangements.
“Local services to help people quit smoking are a vital part of a road map to a smoke-free country,” says Jim Pattison, ASH’s policy and public affairs officer. “However, the short-term nature of current funding undermines this goal.”
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
Advocates are calling for the introduction of a “polluter pays” levy on tobacco companies to ensure sustainable funding for stop smoking services. Such a levy would hold these firms accountable for the societal costs of smoking while providing councils with the resources needed to deliver effective programs.
In addition to securing funding, experts emphasise the need for robust cessation support. The NHS recently announced expanded access to varenicline, a medication that helps break nicotine addiction, alongside behavioural support through Stop Smoking Services. Cytisine, another effective treatment, is also under evaluation.
Despite these advances, challenges remain. E-cigarettes, while a popular tool for harm reduction, continue to generate debate. Although they help long-term smokers quit, prolonged dual use with traditional tobacco raises concerns about continued nicotine dependency.
A Road map to Success
Achieving a smoke-free UK requires more than ambitious legislation; it demands consistent, well-funded support systems. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill lays a strong foundation by targeting youth smoking and vaping while addressing environmental issues. However, the success of these policies hinges on long-term investment in local stop smoking services and national campaigns.
Hospitals and healthcare settings also play a critical role in cessation efforts. Experts advocate integrating quit programs into every healthcare touch point, from routine appointments to lung cancer screenings. Research shows that quitting smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis reduces mortality risk by 33%, yet only 35% of oncologists in Europe currently refer patients for cessation support.
Securing the Smoke-Free Future
The UK stands at a historic crossroads in tobacco control. Bold legislation like the Tobacco and Vapes Bill demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting future generations from the harms of smoking. Yet, without stable, long-term funding, these efforts could falter.
Implementing a tobacco levy, restoring public health grants to adequate levels, and committing to multi-year funding settlements are essential steps. Together, these measures would empower councils to deliver consistent, tailored services to help people quit smoking and prevent young people from starting.
The vision of a smoke-free UK is within reach. By aligning innovative policies with sustainable funding, the UK can lead the world in combating tobacco-related harm and secure a healthier future for generations to come.