Current Policy Issues

Smoking is the major preventable cause of death in the UK. To achieve our vision of a society free from the harm caused by tobacco, ASH is involved in the development of tobacco control policies both nationally and internationally. 

• Beyond Smoking Kills

  A review of progress in tobacco control w hich also sets out  an agenda for a comprehensive new strategy.

• A Smokefree Future

  The UK Government's strategy on tobacco control, published in February 2010.

• Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

  The world's first health treaty, developed by the World Health Organization, to tackle tobacco globally.

• Advertising

  Most forms of tobacco advertising are now illegal yet the industry continues to promote its deadly products.

• Harm reduction & product regulation

  There is no safe level of smoking yet tobacco products remain largely unregulated.

• Health inequalities

  Smoking accounts for over half the difference in risk of premature death between social classes in the UK .

• Taxation & smuggling

  Raising tobacco tax is a proven means of reducing tobacco use. However this policy may be undermined by the illicit trade in tobacco.

• Youth Smoking

  The best way to reduce youth smoking is through comprehensive tobacco control measures that apply to the whole population.

• Policy Research and Links

  Links to further research and policy documents