The reintroduction of the tobacco and vapes bill has been announced in the King’s Speech. The bill – which aims to progressively increase the age at which people can legally buy tobacco products and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes – will now be a priority for the forthcoming session of parliament.
The bill was shelved following the announcement of a July election, despite its aims being supported by every constituency in England, Scotland and Wales. The BMJ also recently published an open letter calling for plans for a smoke-free UK to be ‘front and centre’ of the new government’s domestic agenda.
‘Today’s announcement puts us in pole position to be the first country in the world to end smoking,’ said ASH chief executive Deborah Arnott. ‘Smoking puts pressure on our NHS and social care system, but the greatest financial impact is the damage to our economy due to lost productivity. The measures announced today will play a major role in helping government achieve its ambition to halve the difference in healthy life expectancy between the richest and poorest regions, and deliver productivity growth in every part of the country.’
‘Phasing out the sale of tobacco will be a major step in protecting the public’s mental health and could do more to benefit the physical and mental health of psychiatric patients than any other single measure,’ added Mental Health Foundation chief executive Mark Rowland. ‘Smoking increases your risk of poor mental health and you are much more likely to start smoking and to become heavily addicted if you already have a mental health condition.’
The introduction of a new law to make drinks spiking a specific criminal offence is also expected to form part of the crime and policing bill. Although spiking is already covered by the Offences against the Person Act, the aim is to make it easier for police to respond to incidents. The bill will also contain proposals on tackling anti-social behaviour through ‘respect orders’ and other measures.