In Barnet, the number of adults who smoke has increased
Recent statistics indicate that more adults in Barnet were smokers last year, contrasting with the overall trend observed throughout the UK. Public health charity Action on Smoking and Health has called on the Government to expedite its legislation aimed at prohibiting the sale of tobacco to foster a generation that is “free from the harms of smoking."
According to the annual population survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics in Barnet, 8.9% of adults in the area were identified as smokers in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year's figure of 8.4%.
The questionnaire inquired whether individuals currently engage in cigarette smoking.
Data revealed that 20.9% of adults in Barnet are former smokers, whereas 70.2% have never engaged in smoking. In the UK, the prevalence of smoking has hit a historic low, with only 11.9% of adults reporting that they smoke cigarettes, marking the lowest level since records started in 2011. In London, the smoking rate stood at 11.7%.
According to ASH chief executive Hazel Cheeseman, the data demonstrates that the nation is prepared to achieve a smoke-free status. She stated:
"There is bipartisan backing for prohibiting the sale of tobacco and fostering a generation that is free from the dangers of smoking, and the Government should expedite the introduction of the bill."
While acknowledging the advancements made, she emphasized that further efforts are necessary. She emphasized, "Our most disadvantaged communities still bear the burden of tobacco company profits, along with our public services and the economy."
"In addition to fostering a generation free from smoking, it is essential for the Government to uphold the previous administration's promise to allocate resources aimed at assisting the 6 million individuals who are currently smokers in their efforts to quit."
The data revealed that individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 represented the largest share of current smokers in the UK. In London, the highest proportion was observed among those aged 25 to 34, reaching 14.9%.
The release of the smoking statistics follows the Government's renewed efforts to advance the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in July. This legislation aims to gradually raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco, effectively barring anyone born in or after 2009 from obtaining it legally. Limitations may also be imposed on vaping products' flavours, packaging, and presentation.
According to distinct data from the ONS Office for National Statistics, approximately 5.1 million adults aged 16 and older (9.8%) used daily or occasional e-cigarettes in Great Britain last year.
The prevalence of e-cigarette usage was notably highest among individuals aged 16 to 24, with 15.8% engaging in e-cigarette consumption on a daily or occasional basis.
Professor Nick Hopkinson, a respiratory physician and the chairman of ASH, stated, "Vaping has assisted millions of adults in quitting smoking and poses significantly less harm than traditional smoking."
"Nonetheless, it carries certain risks, and the increasing prevalence of use among youth and those who have never smoked raises significant concerns."
He emphasized that the new legislation needs to establish a stringent regulatory framework to oversee the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes.
"It is essential to emphasise vaping as a means to quit smoking rather than viewing it as a trendy addition to one's lifestyle," he stated. A representative from the Department of Health and Social Care stated: "Vaping can serve as a useful tool for adult smokers looking to quit, but we have consistently emphasized that children and non-smoking adults should refrain from using them.”
They stated: “In the meantime, smoking is responsible for 80,000 deaths annually, places immense strain on our NHS, and incurs billions in costs for taxpayers."
"The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to safeguard future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine, potentially saving countless lives and alleviating burdens on the NHS."
