RCGP welcomes Bill that could create the first generation of non-smokers

The Royal College of GPs supports the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as it passes its second reading in parliament.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the College, said:  "It is very encouraging to see the Tobacco and Vapes Bill pass its second reading in parliament and take another step to becoming law. GPs see the devastating consequences of smoking day in day out in our surgeries. We see patients facing years of ill health, preventable conditions, and even early death because of smoking. 

“We also know how incredibly hard it can be to give up smoking once it becomes an addiction. It is far better to never have started smoking, so we really welcome this legislation which could create the first generation of non-smokers. 

“We’ve made huge strides to stop smoking in the last decade, and the health benefits of the 2007 smoking ban are clear. We now need to build on the progress we’ve made and create a generation who don’t smoke and don’t face the terrible health consequences.” 

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.