Over 127K people begin smoking annually.

According to a recent study, it has been revealed that approximately 350 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 start smoking every day in the UK. This amounts to over 127,000 new smokers annually. The study, which was supported by Cancer Research UK, also noted that since the release of the popular film "The King's Speech" in July, around 35,000 young people have taken up the habit.

In light of these alarming statistics, the charity is urging the government to take action and not delay the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. This bill, which was put on hold by the previous Conservative government due to the general election, aims to regulate the sale of tobacco and vapes. And just yesterday, the government announced that disposable vapes will be banned by the summer of 2025.

Under this new legislation, businesses will have until the deadline to sell their remaining stock and prepare for the ban. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has also stated that devolved governments will be enforcing the same measures as England. According to Minister Mary Creagh, disposable vapes are "extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities."

In 2024, the use of disposable vapes is still rampant, with an estimated 5 million being littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK. This is almost four times the amount from the previous year. Furthermore, the use of vapes has increased by 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of the British population now purchasing and using these products.

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne expressed concern over the fact that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have used a vape in the past year, with disposable vapes being the most popular choice among young people. He believes that banning these products will not only benefit the environment, but also reduce the appeal of vapes to children and protect vulnerable young individuals.

The government has also promised to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is being touted as the biggest public health intervention in a generation. This bill aims to protect young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and pave the way for a smoke-free UK. As the government considers banning disposable vapes by 2025, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, stresses the urgency of taking action and fulfilling this promise.

According to Alizee Froguel, Cancer Research UK's prevention policy manager, while vapes are considered to be less harmful than smoking, their long-term effects are still unknown. That's why banning disposable vapes could prevent them from ending up in the hands of children and those who have never smoked before. However, it is crucial that this ban is enforced effectively and does not create barriers for individuals trying to quit smoking.

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