National No Smoking Day

He praised the work of the hon. Member for Harrow East on smoke-free England 2030 and highlighted progress made in reducing smoking rates since 1984, noting that despite this success, political will is needed to meet the target by 2030. He raised questions about the tobacco control plan's publication date and the response to Javed Khan's smoke-free review. He also asked for information on media spending for stop smoking campaigns and details of the public health grant.

Ms Liz Twist highlighted the significant health inequalities caused by smoking, particularly in deprived areas. She mentioned that smoking is responsible for half of the difference in life expectancy between rich and poor. In her constituency, healthy life expectancy is 58 years, five years lower than the national average. The Fresh programme has seen success but needs further investment to continue its work. Ms Twist called for a 'polluter pays' tax on cigarettes to raise funds for smoking cessation services and urged the Government to implement the Khan review recommendations. Acknowledges progress in reducing smoking rates from 31% to 17% by 2019 but calls for further measures. Supports considering the prohibition of smoking in areas such as public playgrounds and outdoor care spaces. She intervened to ask if the tobacco control plan would come within the major conditions strategy.

Mary Foy, vice-chair of the APPG on smoking and health, highlighted the serious impact of smoking in the north-east of England, noting over 113,000 deaths from smoking-related illnesses since 2000. She emphasised the link between smoking and dementia, pointing out that only one in five smokers are aware of this risk. Foy also discussed the importance of local initiatives like Fresh but stressed the need for more national investment to meet the smoke-free 2030 goal.

Congratulates Bob Blackman on securing the debate, discusses personal experiences with smoking in family, highlights vaping as a safer alternative. Mentions recommendations from the Khan report to promote vaping for quitting smoking. Quoted experts stating vaping is drastically lower in cancer causing levels compared to smoking. Raises concerns about rogue retailers selling e-cigarettes to minors and calls for increased penalties. Discusses the need for tighter controls on non-compliant products and the importance of single-use vapes as a cost-effective way to quit smoking.

Highlights the significant link between smoking and dementia, noting research showing that quitting smoking reduces the risk of dementia. Points out that smoking remains a major cause of cancer and death, using considerable NHS resources.

Mr McCabe acknowledged the work of Cancer Research UK and called for a comprehensive smoking cessation service, especially in deprived areas. He emphasised that more should be done to protect young people from taking up smoking.

Tobacco companies are recruiting new generations of smokers for big profits, causing around 75,000 deaths annually. The vaping industry is targeting children with different products and flavours to addict a generation. Labour wants an ambitious plan that targets tobacco giants and helps victims recover their health. Suggests a windfall tax on tobacco manufacturers given the costs borne by public services for products that cause considerable harm. Emphasises the need to address smoking during pregnancy as highlighted in the Khan review.

Acknowledges progress in reducing smoking rates but highlights the immense personal and communal impact of smoking. Cites ASH Scotland data indicating that smoking causes 100,000 hospitalisations and 9,000 deaths annually in Scotland. Emphasises how smoking exacerbates health inequalities with one in three people smoking in deprived areas compared to one in ten in least deprived communities.

Welcomed progress in smoking policy and noted that working-class and black and minority ethnic communities struggle more with quitting. Suggested vaping as a less harmful alternative. Does the hon. Lady agree that vaping represents a less harmful alternative and needs to be regulated safely? Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government's strategy and plan should include special provision for black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, so that they can be targeted and helped to give up this dirty habit?