ASH comment on NHS youth smoking, drinking, and drug use data

A comment from Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), in response to the newly released NHS data on smoking, drinking, and drug use among young people in England.

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, said:
“It is vital the Government bring forward the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as soon as possible to accelerate progress towards a smokefree generation and more effectively regulate vaping. While smoking rates have fallen dramatically among 11–15-year-olds over the last few decades, this data indicate progress is stalling and show a particularly worrying jump in 11 year olds reporting ever smoking or currently smoking.

“At the same time youth vaping remains too high and is unlikely to fall without further regulations to limit the appeal of vapes to teens. Today’s data should be the impetus the Government needs to bring forward legislation for first reading.”