Smoking Cessation 2023-04-25
2023-04-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question addresses the ongoing efforts by the government to reduce smoking rates in England.
What steps his Department is taking to encourage people to stop smoking. The smoking rate has decreased from 21% in 2010 to 13% now, partly due to measures like minimum excise tax on cheap cigarettes and double duty on cigarettes.
We have introduced significant new funding to help a million smokers quit through the swap to stop scheme, and we are consulting on new pack inserts similar to those in Canada. We also introduced a financial incentive for pregnant women.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The question builds on the announcement of measures to help achieve the Smokefree 2030 target.
Does the Minister agree that we should continue pursuing harm reduction strategies such as swap to stop to ensure we maintain our position as a world leader in public health?
I absolutely agree and congratulate the hon. Friend on quitting smoking using nicotine patches. The swap to stop scheme is based on strong local evidence and has proven successful.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Smokers in England face a postcode lottery when trying to access smoking cessation services.
What is the Minister doing to ensure that everybody who needs smoking cessation services is able to access them?
Public health grants will go up by 5% in real terms over the next two years. We want to reduce postcode variation and are keen to speak to anyone who wants to work with us at a local level.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or mechanisms for ensuring access were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Khan review recommended increasing investment in smokefree policies, but the UK Government's recent announcement did not mention this recommendation.
What representations have been made with Cabinet colleagues about implementing the Khan review's key recommendation to improve public health outcomes across all four nations?
I recently had a productive meeting with my Scottish Government counterpart. We have already doubled tobacco duty since 2010 and introduced minimum tax for cheaper cigarettes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific representations about the Khan review recommendation were not addressed
Response accuracy