Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law

We warmly welcome the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becoming law - a landmark moment on the path to a smoke free UK. The legislation means that anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be able to purchase tobacco, creating a new generational barrier to smoking.

Lung cancer remains the UK’s deadliest cancer, claiming almost 33,000 lives every year. More than 70% of these deaths are linked to tobacco use. The longer a person smokes, the greater their risk - duration matters even more than the number of cigarettes smoked. Stopping young people from ever taking up smoking is therefore one of the most powerful ways to reduce future harm, not only from lung cancer but also from a wide range of cancers, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, and risks to maternal and child health.

Since our formation in 2005, the UKLCC has consistently championed stronger tobacco control measures. We have stood alongside the wider cancer community in pushing for major reforms - from smoke free public places and advertising restrictions to the introduction of standardised packaging.

Combined with the Government’s recent pledge to fully implement targeted lung cancer screening in England for people aged 55–74 with a history of smoking, by 2030, this phased end to cigarette sales has the potential to prevent thousands of avoidable deaths and transform the outlook for future generations.