Every week in Yorkshire, 90 people are diagnosed with a cancer caused by smoking and 60 people lose their lives as a result. This legislation will see the age of sale for cigarettes increase one year, every year, gradually reducing the number of people who smoke.

While this bill is important in reducing the number of people who start smoking, it is essential that the introduction of a smokefree UK is accompanied by sufficient funding and resources which help those who currently smoke to quit, for good. Smoking rates are steadily declining in Yorkshire, but nearly 13% of the region’s population – or nearly half a million people – still smoke. In some areas of Yorkshire, smoking rates are among the worst in England, so it is essential that people in every part of the region have access to well-funded stop smoking services and resources.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also impose new regulations on flavours, packaging and the display of vapes following a concerning rise in the number of young people who vape. It is positive that measures to reduce vaping in young people have been introduced, however a careful balance must be struck between helping young people to stop vaping and ensuring adults trying to quit smoking are not discouraged from using vapes. Vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and help thousands of people in Yorkshire make positive steps towards a healthier future.

We look forward to working with the Government to create a smokefree future. However, we hope to see a combined approach which reduces the number of people who start smoking, and provides sufficient funding and resources to support those wanting to quit. With a strong tobacco control plan in place, we can help to save more lives in Yorkshire, and beyond.