ASH
About ASH
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a public health charity set up by the Royal College of Physicians to end the harm caused by tobacco.
After 50 years' successful campaigning this goal is within our grasp, but only if the inequalities in smoking across society are addressed.
Publications
Reports, factsheets and other resources published by ASH and our partner organisations.
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Media Centre
Latest Press Releases
29 April 2026
APPG on Smoking and Health welcomes historic generational smoking ban becoming law
Today, members of the APPG on Smoking and Health are celebrating the royal assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Act. This year marks the 50th year of the APPG’s campaigning and the ‘smokefree generation’ law, that will come into force on 1 January 2027 is a huge achievement for the group. The law will ensure that the age of sale for tobacco will increase by one year every year, phasing out the sale of tobacco across the UK.
29 April 2026
Historic Smokefree Generation Law Will Protect 4 million Young People from Tobacco Addiction in Just 5 Years
- Royal Assent for Tobacco and Vapes Bill means children born from 2009 onwards will never legally be sold tobacco in the UK
- Ex Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who first introduced the measure to Parliament, welcomes the new law
- Around 4 million young people are expected to be protected in the first five years, with ASH saying 6 million could benefit if adult smokers are also helped to quit
- Campaigners urge ministers to seize the moment with the biggest national quit effort in a decade
