A former Brighton journalist turned cancer campaigner is calling on MPs to back a crackdown on smoking and vaping in a vote scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 26 November).
Lynn Daly, from Cancer Research UK, said that MPs would “have people’s lives in their hands” in the key vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The bill is intended to make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born in or after 2009. It also includes powers to extend smoke-free spaces and bring in a licensing scheme for tobacco and vapes.
Cancer Research UK said: “Smoking will cause around 36,300 cancer cases in the south east over the next five years if trends continue, new analysis by Cancer Research UK has revealed.
“(The bill) could have a profound effect in the region where it’s estimated tobacco is responsible for around 4,700 cancer deaths each year. Across the UK, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death.
“As MPs prepare to debate the bill during its second reading, Cancer Research UK points to this moment as an historic opportunity to help prevent cancers, alleviate pressures on an already overstretched NHS and pave the way for a smoke-free UK.”
Ms Daly said: “MPs across the region have people’s lives in their hands.
“Tobacco kills up to two thirds of its users so nothing would have a bigger impact on reducing the number of preventable deaths in the south east than helping to end smoking.
“We know that smoking rates go down with government intervention. Raising the age of sale of tobacco products and funding ‘stop smoking’ services will help to protect people from a lifetime of deadly and costly addiction.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill could be one of the most impactful public health interventions in our lifetime.
“That’s why we’re urging all MPs to vote for a future free from the harms of tobacco and help create a lasting legacy for our young people we can all be proud of.”
Laudable, However I fear this will only create a whole new black market in which criminals can make millions.
It’s a very valid point, and is an argument frequently used, albeit in reverse, for the legalisation of cannabis.
There is a long and sorted history that prohibition doesn’t work, but making something very difficult to obtain has had an effect, gun control vs mass shootings in America comes to mind.
People are addicted to mobiles and vapes . Vapes should be banned indoors and on public transport.
They generally are.
Vapes are already banned in workplaces, pubs & restaurants and on public transport. They a classed along with cigarettes etc.
Isn’t the Labour council’s own cabinet member for public health is an arduous vaper?
Are you arguing he has lived experience and therefore better suited to talking about this topic?
Has they quit??? You don’t get what lived-experience means, do you? Just another buzz word for you. Shame. is it like having Thérès£ C0ffey was Health Sec lol no difference from the Tories
Ironically, I think you might want to ask yourself that question.
Does one need to have quit to advocate for others to do so?
Does smoking not give you the perspective of why it’s bad for you?
Does being a smoker who hasn’t quit not also help a person understand why other people would find it hard to quit?
What about alcohol and gambling also?
Tobacco and vaping does cause a lot of harm but so does alcohol.
You can go out on a night out get absolutely off you’re head, fall over, smash you’re head on the pavement and that’s game over.
But yet smokers and vapers are always the target. How much money do the government make on alcohol sales as well as tobacco sales?
Imagine if every single person who smokes or vapes in this country didn’t buy any for just one day? The government would be up in arms!
Why don’t we start putting the impact of alcohol on our bodies, including the damage drink and drug driving causes innocent people involved in horrific and preventable accidents? Put them on alcohol bottles like they do tobacco?
Just some thoughts?
Speaking of gambling, something I take particular issue in predatory gatcha monetisation in computer and mobile games, that bypass a lot of safety legalisation so they can market towards children. On this, I absolutely agree this is an area our government should work on, Belgium being a forerunner when it comes to this, so use them as an example.
It’s an interesting point you’re making, and my addition to that would be to consider how much money is spent in public health in direct relation to conditions caused by the consumption of these products, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and including your example of injuries sustained whilst intoxicated – one of the worse versions of latter are drink drivers, in my opinion.
Generationally, there has been a shift from the drink culture though, and that’s a positive thing, I hope.