Unprecedented Action Needed to Tackle Smoking and Improve Public Health in the UK

The evidence is clear – smoking is a major public health issue that requires action. Big Tobacco is facing the facts – in the UK alone, an estimated 76,000 deaths each year are caused by smoking. Despite efforts by tobacco companies to hide the truth, no one with scientific credibility has disputed the link between smoking and cancer, which was established as far back as 1950 by Oxford epidemiologist Richard Doll.

Although libertarians may argue against restrictions on smoking, the “nanny state” approach is backed by science, common sense, and public opinion. Compulsory seat belts in cars and helmets for motorcyclists were once opposed by a vocal libertarian minority, but now few argue against these safety measures. In fact, statistics show that two out of three people who continue to smoke will die prematurely, and smoking is responsible for nine out of 10 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The financial burden on an already strained National Health Service due to smoking-related illnesses amounts to billions of pounds annually. Therefore, it’s time for policymakers to take action and restrict smoking in order to protect public health and reduce healthcare costs.