Fresh data paints a striking picture of UK public health support. The majority back tougher government measures to tackle tobacco, unhealthy food and, to a lesser degree, alcohol, as the country faces mounting pressures from widening health inequalities, stalling life expectancy, and record levels of ill health-related economic inactivity. To address this UK health crisis, the government cannot ignore the public’s appetite for preventive action.

Broad Backing for Tobacco Controls in the UK Health Crisis

The UK’s ongoing health crisis is underpinned by persistent risk factors, with tobacco use high on the list. According to new polling by the Health Foundation and Ipsos, there is strong public health support for tightening tobacco laws. A significant 73% of the UK public support extending the current indoor smoking ban to outdoor spaces, particularly those frequented by children and vulnerable groups—including playgrounds, the perimeters of schools, and outside hospital buildings.

This aligns with the government’s direction in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-25, with proposals for broader consultation on outdoor bans. The data shows that the public widely prioritizes protecting children from second-hand smoke and setting strong public health standards.

Interestingly, while the government has stopped short of suggesting bans in outdoor hospitality spaces, nearly half of the public (49%) do support such a move. Only 33% oppose, reflecting gradually shifting attitudes towards tobacco use in public places and highlighting a clear public health priority.

Public Endorsement for Tackling Unhealthy Food

Obesity rates among adults and children in the UK remain stubbornly high, contributing heavily to the nation’s health crisis. Addressing unhealthy food environments sits at the heart of public health strategy, and the latest poll reveals considerable UK public health support for financial measures targeting unhealthy foods.

A robust 62% of respondents favor a proposed tax on producers of foods high in sugar or salt, especially if a portion of the revenue helps low-income families access fresh fruit and vegetables. This shows a widespread belief in not only addressing health issues through structural food environment changes but also in supporting social equity across communities.

Public attitudes have begun to shift firmly towards expecting government leadership on food policy, signalling readiness for more ambitious approaches during this ongoing UK health crisis.

Mixed Public Views on Alcohol, But Momentum Is Building

Tackling alcohol-related harm is not new on the UK’s health agenda, but it has not seen a national strategy for over a decade. While other countries have forged ahead with minimum unit pricing (MUP)—notably Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland—England trails behind.

Polling shows a complicated but still encouraging picture. While 46% support introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol in England, 31% oppose it. Policies to ban alcohol marketing at sporting events are more popular, with 48% backing the idea and only 23% opposed.

The polling suggests there is a solid foundation for bolder government moves, especially as England lags behind neighbouring countries on alcohol policy. Awareness of the risks is growing, and the increases in alcohol-related deaths are spurring action. For example, Ipsos/Scottish Government polling from 2023 found almost identical support for MUP shortly before it was reaffirmed in Scotland, indicating public opinion often strengthens as policies become normalised.

Widening Inequalities and the Need for Public Health Engagement

Beyond headline figures, the data exposes a critical aspect of the UK health crisis. Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation, explained:

“The public supports bolder policy approaches to tackle alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and without this, the government risks undermining its objectives for improving health, economic growth, and inequality reduction.”

Briggs further notes, “Alcohol-related deaths in England have surged for five consecutive years, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 40%. Alarmingly, there has been little movement on comprehensive alcohol policies under both Conservative and Labour governments. Current policies targeting junk food marketing and high-caffeine drinks for children are also inadequate. Prevention is foundational to fostering a healthy and thriving UK, so now is the time for bold action.

“Our polling also shows that for some policy areas there is more support for action among people living in less deprived parts of the UK. While support still outweighs opposition in more deprived areas, it shows that alongside implementing bolder policies, the government must engage with a wide range of communities to address both real and perceived harms.”

This demonstrates the vital need for targeted communication and engagement with all sections of UK society, to ensure policy changes are not only supported but also effective in addressing the root of the UK health crisis.

Survey Methodology Underlines Strong Public Health Support

The survey underpinning these findings was robust and comprehensive. Conducted by Ipsos’s Knowledge Panel between 21 and 27 November 2024, it sampled 2,198 individuals aged 16+ from across the UK. The sample was carefully stratified and weighted by region, gender, age, and other socioeconomic factors, ensuring the results closely mirror the national picture.

Importantly, questions relating to tobacco and food policy were asked to both UK-wide and England-only samples. The results show overwhelming, nationwide momentum for bolder prevention policies—even in areas that have previously seen less intensive policy focus, like alcohol.

Source: dbrecoveryresources