More than 1,200 public health leaders have called for the “swift passage” of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The cross-party letter, signed by health professionals including doctors, nurses and public health directors, described the Bill as a “historic opportunity to protect future generations.”
It warned that “more than 120,000 young people” have started smoking since the legislation was first introduced last November.
Peers in the House of Lords will begin scrutinising the Bill today (27 October), as it returns to Parliament for its committee stage.
The letter, coordinated by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), points out the six-month gap between the Bill’s second reading in April and today’s debate.
It highlights the “real cost” of political delays, with around 60,000 young people taking up smoking since the Bill was last debated, the letter claimed.
Another six months of ministerial silence would be nothing short of “national failure,” said ASH.
The landmark anti-smoking legislation would prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally smoking. It also includes measures to restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
Signatories to the letter said the Bill would be a “once in a generation opportunity” to reduce smoking and save lives.
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of ASH said: “Every week, thousands of young people become trapped in a cycle of deadly addiction that will shorten their lives. Tobacco is a uniquely harmful product, killing more than half of long-term users.
”Politicians can protect future generations by passing this truly game-changing legislation.”
Online vape store The Vaping Specialists said it supports the calls from public health leaders.
“We share the ambition to protect future generations from tobacco harm while ensuring adult smokers continue to have access to regulated vaping products that support harm reduction,” said Jamie Strachan, operations director.
“We urge Parliament to deliver balanced, evidence-based legislation that protects young people and supports the UK’s smoke-free ambitions.”
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