Responding to government requests decision To introduce greater restrictions on smoking and vaping, as part of the Tobacco and Vaping Bill, Professor David Strain, Chairman of the BMA Scientific Council, said:

“These measures to further extend the ban on smoking in certain outdoor spaces such as children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals, as well as a ban on the advertising and sponsorship of vaping, as well as that the prospect of limiting flavors and packaging clearly targeting children and young adults is intended to be welcome.

“They are a significant step forward in creating healthier environments for children and adults alike and reducing the huge burden on the NHS in caring for those whose lives are destroyed by smoking.

“But we also need to see the detail of the Government’s consultations on these measures to ensure they can, in fact, deliver what ministers are promising and, alongside these new measures, there is an urgent need to invest in smoking cessation services to help smokers quit Introducing stricter rules to stop people smoking and vaping will lead to a healthier population, but for those who still smoke, many will need help. support for stop, which means greater investment in services and staff to provide this support.