Public Confidence in UK Smoke-free 2030 Target Falters as Labour Government Takes Reins

Poll Highlights Scepticism as Labour Tackles UK Smoke-free Ambitions

In 2022, the UK government commissioned an independent review into tobacco control led by Dr Javed Khan OBE. With the bold ambition of creating a ‘smoke-free generation’ by 2030, the review outlined measures to curb smoking rates, including gradually raising the legal smoking age to prevent future generations from picking up the habit. Vaping was recommended as a viable smoking alternative while also urging measures to limit its appeal to young people now, as the Labour government steps in, a recent poll by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) raises questions about the likelihood of meeting these ambitious targets.

Public Confidence Low in Smokefree Strategy
According to a previous UKVIA survey, public faith in the political system to reach the 2030 smoke-free target is alarmingly low. The survey gathered responses from vapers, former smokers, policy experts, and industry representatives across social media. The results highlighted widespread scepticism:

·10% of respondents expressed trust in the Labour Party to combat smoking-related health issues effectively.
·A smaller portion, 9%, felt the Liberal Democrats could achieve this goal.
·1% held confidence in the Conservative Party.

The overwhelming 80% of respondents doubted that any major party could lead Britain toward a smokefree future, a statistic that should prompt serious reflection from policymakers.

UKVIA Director John Dunne called the survey’s results a “wake-up call” for the new Labour government. He criticised the previous administration’s rushed Tobacco and Vapes Bill and advocated for a thorough, balanced review and reforms that could better support the smoke-free goal.

Key Hurdles to Reaching Smokefree 2030
While Labour’s public health vision remains committed to reducing smoking rates, data from Cancer Research UK suggests the 2030 smoke-free target may be delayed until 2039 nationally, with some of the most deprived regions potentially waiting until 2050 or beyond. According to UKVIA, significant gaps remain in the government’s approach:

·Youth Vaping Controls: UKVIA suggests granting the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authority to scrutinise vape packaging and branding, eliminating child-friendly designs from the market.

·Enhanced Enforcement for Industry Standards: UKVIA recommends implementing a licensing framework for vape retailers and distributors, which could generate an estimated £50 million per year to support Trading Standards enforcement.

·Severe Penalties for Offenders: To discourage unlawful sales, UKVIA advocates for fines of up to £10,000 per offence, aiming to dissuade retailers from selling vapes to minors.

As the Labour government tackles the pressing public health issue, the UKVIA and the vape industry stand ready to collaborate, ensuring adult smokers retain access to cessation tools while prioritising youth protection and industry regulation.