This landmark bill will restrict the sale of tobacco products, creating a Smokefree Generation where no one born in or after 2009 will ever be legally sold tobacco products. The bill will also serve to close a number of loopholes in legislation and grants the government new powers surrounding tobacco product licensing and vape product regulations.
In line with its 2024 Position Statement on Tobacco and Vaping, BTS supports legislation to achieve a smoke-free and vape-free society to eradicate smoking-related diseases.
Professor Richard Russell, BTS Chair, says:
“Royal Assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a landmark moment for public health and a major step towards a smoke-free future for the United Kingdom and the World. The British Thoracic Society strongly welcomes this legislation as a bold and necessary response to the ongoing harms caused by tobacco and the rising threat of vaping among young people.
As respiratory clinicians, we see first-hand the devastating impact of smoking on lung health every day. This bill represents a decisive shift towards prevention, protecting future generations from addiction, reducing avoidable disease, and ultimately saving lives.”
BTS looks forward to seeing the short and longer-term impact this bill has on addressing tobacco dependency across the UK.
London, London WC1N 2PL
29/04/2026 16:15:17
British Thoracic Society
