An analysis has found that England may not achieve its "smoke-free" goal until 2039, as reported by The Guardian on November 4.
In 2019, the UK government announced a target for the country to become "smoke-free" by 2030, meaning that the proportion of smoking adults would not exceed 5%. However, according to the latest analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), even with a continued decline in smoking rates over the next few years, the timeline for reaching this "smoke-free" goal will still be pushed back to 2039.
Currently, about 6 million adults in the UK smoke, the lowest percentage in history, having dropped from 20.2% in 2011 to 11.9%. In England, the smoking rate is 11.6% (approximately 4.9 million), while Scotland has the highest rate at 13.5%.
Although the overall number of smokers is expected to continue declining, CRUK's projections indicate that this trend will not sufficiently reduce the so-called "poverty gap." For example, the wealthiest 10% of the population is expected to reach the 5% smoking rate target by 2025, while the poorest 10% may not come close to this level until 2050.
Even if the "smoke-free" goal is achieved by 2039, the number of tobacco users in the poorest groups will still be nearly four times that of the wealthiest. It is estimated that about 459,000 people in the poorest areas will still be smoking, compared to around 119,000 in the wealthiest regions.
CRUK's CEO, Michelle Mitchell, urged the government to promptly publish the long-promised Tobacco and Vapes Bill. "About 160 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each day due to smoking, and the government must prioritize national health by implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as soon as possible," She said. "Any further delays could hinder the progress toward a smoke-free future."
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
