Leading doctors and nurses are urging Members of Parliament (MPs) across the political spectrum to support the groundbreaking Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is set for a crucial debate on Tuesday, November 26. This Bill represents a critical step towards a smoke-free generation and aims to address the growing concerns over both smoking and youth vaping in the UK.
A Historic Step Towards Public Health Protection
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will introduce significant measures to protect future generations from the harms of smoking and vaping. Starting from this year, anyone turning 15 will no longer be able to legally purchase cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. This change promises to reduce smoking rates and ultimately help create a smoke-free generation.
Doctors and nurses emphasize that smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in the UK, contributing to around 74,600 deaths annually and costing £46 billion. The impact on public health is profound, with second-hand smoke causing a range of issues including respiratory infections, asthma and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Tackling Youth Vaping: A Growing Crisis
In addition to addressing smoking, the Bill also targets the alarming rise in youth vaping. Data shows that nearly 10%of secondary school students now vape regularly, and approximately 1 million people in England vape without ever being smokers. Vaping, although often seen as a tool to quit smoking, poses serious risks, particularly for young people who may develop a lifelong nicotine dependency.
The Bill includes vital provisions to combat youth vaping, such as banning advertisements, sponsorships, and restricting flavours and packaging that appeal to children. Additionally, it aims to ban disposable e-cigarettes, which have become increasingly popular among young people.
Supporting Public Health: A Unified Call from Medical Experts
Health professionals from across the UK, including Professor Sanjay Agrawal of the Royal College of Physicians, have praised the Bill’s potential to address both smoking and vaping. Agrawal calls it one of the most monumental health interventions in decades, with the power to eliminate preventable deaths and reduce strain on the healthcare system.
Professor Steve Turner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), highlights that preventing children from starting both smoking and vaping will significantly reduce their future risk of preventable diseases and protect future generations.
The Role of Nursing Staff in Public Health
Nurses, who are on the front lines of healthcare, have also voiced strong support for the Bill. Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), emphasizes the importance of stopping smoking and vaping before they start, which would not only save lives but also reduce the pressure on an already overburdened health service.
Nurses and healthcare providers are urging the government to invest in smoking cessation services, which have seen funding cuts of 13% since 2015. These services are crucial in supporting individuals who wish to quit smoking and should be bolstered to ensure effective support for those affected.
A Vital Vote: A Historic Opportunity for MPs
The BMA (British Medical Association), through Professor David Strain and Dr. Heather Grimbaldeston, has called on MPs to support the Bill as an essential step in the fight against preventable ill health. With smoking still being the leading cause of premature death and illness, the time for action is now.
The rise in youth vaping has added urgency to this legislation. Doctors are concerned about the addictive nature of vaping products and their potential to harm young people, both physically and environmentally. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill offers a chance to protect young people’s health and prevent the creation of a generation addicted to nicotine.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill poised for a historic vote, MPs have an opportunity to make a monumental difference to public health. Supporting this Bill will help to reduce smoking rates, prevent the rise in youth vaping, and save livesfor generations to come. The backing of doctors, nurses, and public health experts is clear: this is a chance to eradicate smoking as the leading cause of preventable death and create a healthier, more productive society.
Take Action: MPs Must Vote for the Bill
As MPs prepare for the critical debate, the message is clear. Voting for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a step towards a smoke-free UK, one that will protect future generations and alleviate the burden on the health service. Now is the time to act and secure a healthier future for all.
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