In a significant display of support, MPs, smoking survivors, and bereaved families recently gathered in Parliament to back the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This comprehensive legislation is poised to revolutionise public health by raising the age of sale for tobacco annually, ensuring that those born after 2009 will never legally purchase tobacco products. Additionally, the bill aims to curb youth vaping by implementing stricter measures. Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne highlighted the bill’s potential to break the cycle of addiction and ease NHS pressures, framing it as a monumental step towards a smokefree UK. The event featured emotional testimonies, including from Sue Mountain, a cancer survivor, who emphasised the importance of legislative action to protect future generations from the harms of smoking.

The assembly also paid tribute to individuals affected by smoking-related illnesses, such as Denham Thomas, whose family attended to share their story. The event underscored the cross-party support for the bill, with Shadow Public Health Minister Ben Spencer and Labour MP Mary Foy both stressing the necessity of such bold measures to address health inequalities and reduce smoking prevalence across the UK. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is hailed as a once-in-a-generation public health intervention, with attendees expressing hope for a healthier future free from the burden of smoking. For more details, visit ASH.