ASH response to publication of 10 Year Health Plan for England

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health comments on the publication of the 10-Year Health Plan for England:

“Each year, smoking claims 64,000 lives, leads to over 408,000 hospital admissions, and deepens the health inequality gap between our most and least deprived communities. Health system reform simply isn’t possible without bold action both to prevent smoking uptake and to support the 6 million people in England who currently smoke to quit.

“The 10-year plan rightly reaffirms the UK’s world-leading commitment to phase out the sale of tobacco. But it is vital that this legislation is prioritised, so that new regulations to protect people from second-hand smoke and curb the aggressive marketing of vapes can be introduced swiftly. We also welcome the commitment to roll out opt-out smoking cessation support as part of routine hospital care.

“While we are making important progress towards ending the harm caused by tobacco, we remain a long way from becoming a smokefree country. Continued investment and focus on smoking cessation are essential to ensure no one is left behind.”