ADPH supports smokefree legislation
We must do everything we can to deliver this legislation and protect individuals and society from the harms caused by smoking.
Alison Challenger
DPH West Sussex
Earlier today the government held a roundtable to discuss the recently announced plans to create a smokefree generation.
Hosted by Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien and England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the meeting brought together members of the Smokefree Action Coalition (SFAC) to discuss historic new legislation to protect future generations of young people.
As a member of SFAC, the Association of Directors of Public Health was represented by Alison Challenger, Director of Public Health West Sussex and Addiction Policy Advisory Group member. Alison said:
“This is an historic opportunity to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to this lethal product.
Smoking currently causes 64,000 deaths in England alone and is linked to 1 in 4 cancer deaths – all of which are preventable. Prohibiting future generations from buying cigarettes disrupts the addictive cycle that many people regrettably find themselves in, avoiding future ill-health and saving lives.
We must do everything we can to deliver this legislation and protect individuals and society from the harms caused by smoking.”
An online consultation is currently open on the proposed actions the UK Government and devolved administrations will take to tackle smoking and youth vaping, which we would encourage people to complete and support the legislation.