Smoking age could be raised above 18 as campaigners beg for limit to be increased

THE SMOKING age in the UK could be raised above 18 as charities beg the Government for the limit to be increased.

Research from Cancer Research UK shows that the Government will not meet its current target to curb smoking in England by 2030.

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The data shows that over a million people will contract cancer from cigarettes by 2040 unless there is tough action to stop smoking.

This, the charity said, includes raising the age at which people can legally buy tobacco products.

Around 13 per cent of the UK population smoke – equating to around 6.6million people.

This is down 14 per cent from 2020 and down 20.2 per cent in 2011.

In June, a review into smoking in the UK was commissioned by the Government, with Dr Javed Khan leading the research.

In the report it was recommended that the legal age of smoking was raised each year.

The hope being that younger generations would never be able to buy tobacco products.

In total, there were 15 recommendations set out in the report earlier this year:

1. Invest £125 million to achieve a smokefree 2030
2. Raise the age of tobacco from 18, by one year, each year
3. Raise the cost
4. Introduce a tobacco license for retailers
5. Enhance illicit tobacco monitoring and enforcement
6. Reduce the appeal of smoking
7. Increase smokefree places
8. Offer vaping as a substitute
9. Local services to offer more support
10. Invest £15 million in media stop smoking campaigns
11. NHS to prioritise prevention
12. Invest £15 million to help pregnant women quit
13. Tackle smoking in those with mental health issues
14. Invest £8million to prioritise regional stop smoking interventions
15. Improve data and insight on tobacco use

If the Government cannot afford to make the changes it should make the tobacco industry “foot the bill”, Cancer Research UK said.

“Smoking remains the largest preventable cause of cancer and death in the UK, but the Government has the power to change this,” said Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK.

“With bold action and strong leadership, we can ensure a future free of tobacco for reducing cancer and saving lives.

“We urge Steve Barclay to continue his legacy of being bold with tobacco control to reduce the number of people getting and dying of smoking-related cancers, relieve the pressure on the NHS, and save the country billions of pounds each year.”

Close to six million people smoke in England – and tobacco remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death. 

Quitting smoking is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions but one expert said that budgets to help people do this have continuously been cut.

“If the Government is serious about a smoke-free England, action to create an environment that makes it easier for people to live healthy lives will be key.

“It must take on board the recommendations from the Khan review and publish a plan to stop people from ever starting to smoke and help people quit,” Professor Charles Swanton, chief clinician of Cancer Research UK added.