Stamping out smoking: We need more action

We’ve seen a lot of progress

There has been huge progress in tackling smoking across the UK. Back in 1948 82% of people smoked, while at the start of 2020 this had reduced to 14.5%.

Thousands of people are alive today who would otherwise have died if smoking rates had remained so incredibly high.

It isn’t enough

Smoking still causes around 74,000 deaths each year across the UK, and many more people live with debilitating conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Smoking is an addiction that is often passed down from one generation to the next. Children who grow up around smokers are 4 times more likely to smoke themselves, and when they try to quit tobacco they find it much harder.

Liz, 60, has COPD and has been smoking for nearly 50 years

“I know I must stop because of my COPD and I know smoking negatively impacts my health but I’m addicted and can’t stop. I started smoking at 11 and had a few years off between 17-20. I always thought I had control of it when I was young. I’m waiting for the switch in my brain to want to start that journey to a smoke-free life. I’m turning 60 this year and I’ve set a myself a target to quit for good. I think of quitting every day.”

Government commitments, but a lack of action

In July 2019 the Government committed to a “smoke-free” England by 2030, meaning that smoking rates would be below 5%. We’re a long way from seeing this happen, and other government targets, such as to reduce smoking in pregnancy to 6% or lower, are off track.

We want Liz, and everyone who smokes, to have the best possible help to quit tobacco for good.

Smokers trying to quit are three times more likely to be successful if they get support from stop smoking services.

Since 2014 there has been a 50% reduction in people supported to quit smoking, due to huge pressures on funding for local authorities who run these services. This must change.

What we’re doing

We’re pushing the government to do more to stamp out smoking, and want to see a levy on tobacco industry profits, with that money used to fund local stop smoking services. Find out more about our work on smoking.

Looking to quit smoking? Read more about how we can help and the health benefits.

You can also read our latest report on smoking and health inequalities.