Health Secretary pledges Government will go further to crack down on smoking
Smoking: Legal age increase and ‘polluter tax’ being considered
This Government believes in letting you live your life the way you want to.
It’s important that we strike a balance, encouraging people to take up more exercise, or eat healthier.
But, unlike drinking in moderation or eating the occasional treat that might contain additional fat, salt or sugar, there isn’t a safer level of smoking.
And while we might look forward to raising a glass with our children when they grow up, no responsible parent wants them to smoke.
We all know the damage cigarettes do. They cause one hospital admission almost every minute, one in four cancer deaths and kills 64,000 a year.
READ MORE: Vaping tax could stop children getting hooked
They impact non-smokers who suffer the effects of second-hand smoke.
The stakes are particularly high for unborn children of pregnant women who have not kicked the habit.
Reducing smoking rates will save lives, reduce pressure on the NHS and build a brighter future for the children and grandchildren of Express readers.
The best way to protect the next generation from the dangers posed by tobacco is to stop young people smoking in the first place.
Four in five smokers start by the time they’re 20.
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The King’s Speech announced plans to introduce a law raising the smoking age by one year every year to help the next generation be smoke-free.
Increasing the smoking age works – when it rose to 18, rates dropped by almost a third.
This proposed law could cut cancer deaths and lower NHS pressure. And we’re going further to support people to quit.
Last month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced £70million of government funding a year to boost stop-smoking services and support across the country, more than double available today.
We also know something must be done about the alarming rise of vaping among our children.
We’re looking at banning child-luring flavours, cracking down on colourful packaging, and making sure vapes are only sold behind counters.
Vaping carries risk of addiction for children and we can’t allow another generation to get hooked on nicotine.
Tackling smoking and vaping shows this government is willing to take the toughest long-term decisions to make future generations healthier, help protect the NHS and help to save thousands of lives.
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