Tobacco Control Plan

Emphasised the importance of data and evidence in driving the tobacco control plan, noting that vaping devices are safer than smoking. Recommended annual advice for smokers on quitting options and support for those with mental health challenges or low incomes. I am encouraged by the Minister's words. Will she confirm that she sees this as part of the levelling-up agenda?

Alex Norris thanked colleagues for their contributions and discussed the need to focus on regional inequalities in tobacco control. He highlighted high smoking rates and associated costs in Nottingham, emphasizing the importance of locally led cessation services. He also called for a restoration of public health funds cut since 2013, particularly in poorer communities.

Discussed the importance of reducing smoking rates to address health inequalities and increase healthy life expectancy. Cited statistics such as more than 70,000 people dying from smoking in England alone last year. Emphasised the need for bold action with appropriate investment, estimating a minimum of £1.2 billion is needed to restore public health funding to 2015 levels and an additional £2.6 billion for levelling up public health across the country.

Smoking remains a significant health issue in the UK, with current quit rates not sufficient to meet the smoke-free target by 2030. David Jones proposes three courses for the tobacco control plan: promoting alternative products like e-cigarettes and online communications; studying new products such as nicotine pouches and heated tobacco; and creating legislation for a robust regulatory framework covering all market products. He also asks about the full reflection of evidence from post-implementation reviews in the plan, and urges the Government to stand up against WHO's call for banning reduced-risk alternatives.

He highlighted that tobacco is a highly regulated and taxed product, but the current tax regime disadvantages poorer households and encourages smuggling of illicit tobacco. On June 2nd, the Northern Ireland Border Force seized 4.4 tonnes of illegal tobacco worth £7.24 million in unpaid duty. He criticised the Government's control measures as ineffective and suggested that instead of increasing taxes, efforts should focus on tackling organised crime involved in tobacco smuggling.

Ms Osborne shared her personal experience of smoking, highlighting the long-term costs of smoking in communities like South Tyneside (£37.9 million annually). She called for a comprehensive strategy including additional regulation, investment from tobacco companies, and closer support services for high-addiction areas. She also advocated for introducing public health licences for retailers to prevent underage sales and protect children from smoking.

Mr MacAskill, while acknowledging progress in tobacco control since the 1960s and 70s, emphasized the continued prevalence of smoking in poorer areas with health vulnerabilities. He highlighted the link between illegal tobacco trade and serious organised crime, urging for careful calibration of actions to avoid unintended consequences such as fueling criminal activities or harming legitimate businesses.

Ms Liz Twist highlighted the high smoking rates in Gateshead, with 17.1% of the population smoking compared to a national average of 13.9%. She stated that smoking costs Gateshead £48.3 million annually due to health and care needs. Between 2016-2018, there were 1,227 deaths in Gateshead attributable to smoking, including 515 from lung cancer and 412 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking during pregnancy has been shown to double the risk of stillbirth, leading Ms Twist to call for tobacco manufacturers to pay towards a smoke-free fund under the 'polluter pays' principle. We have not had much time to talk about mental health in any detail. Will the Minister ensure that funding is found to deliver the original NHS long-term plan commitment to provide tobacco dependence treatment to all smokers accessing secondary mental health services?

Mary Glindon emphasised the importance of the Government's upcoming tobacco control plan in reducing smoking prevalence and improving public health, advocating for a focus on vaping as a less harmful alternative. She highlighted the need to combat misinformation about e-cigarettes through an effective communication strategy and supported medical professionals at local stop smoking services with clinical guidance. Glindon also called for a review of nicotine regulation in e-cigarettes and mentioned her late husband's successful transition from smoking to vaping.

Mr Sharma expressed concern about declining smoking rates among black and minority ethnic communities being slower than the national average. He highlighted that cessation services have faced funding cuts despite polluters potentially offering to fund these services. He emphasised the importance of recognising addiction as a medical issue rather than moral failing, and noted that three million people now vape, predominantly former smokers. Mr Sharma called for an ambitious tobacco control plan that includes new products such as 'heat not burn' technology and nicotine pouches, which offer lower health risks compared to cigarettes.