Summary
The white paper Smoking Kills, published in 1998, was a milestone in public health in the United Kingdom. It defined a comprehensive tobacco control strategy that has put the UK among the world leaders in tobacco control. Ten years later much of what Smoking Kills set out to do – and more – has been achieved. This report takes stock of these achievements and sets out an agenda for action for the next ten years.
Smoking Kills related to the whole of the UK. As a result of subsequent devolution, tobacco control policy in the UK is now, for the most part, tackled separately in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are, however, important aspects of public policy related to health and tobacco use which remain the preserve of the UK Government in Westminster such as taxation, customs, competition and some aspects of consumer protection. This report relates to tobacco control strategy for England and the recommendations reflect the current balance of devolved and reserved powers in England and the UK today.
