 Smoking causes almost 90,000 deaths every year in England alone and costs the NHS millions of pounds annually |
| Dr Vivienne Nathanson | The BMA has praised the government on the work it has done so far on tobacco control and has welcomed the new strategy to tackle smoking addiction in England.
BMA Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, said the strategy “will set the scene for a smokefree society, save lives and protect health”. She added:
“Smoking causes almost 90,000 deaths every year in England alone and costs the NHS millions of pounds annually. The cost to individuals, their families and employers is substantially more.
“While UK tobacco control policies are some of the most stringent in Europe, more than one in five adults still smokes and many individuals continue to take up the habit. The BMA believes the government should and could do more and today’s tobacco strategy shows the will exists to tackle this major public health issue.
“Measures like banning vending machines, improving NHS Stop Smoking Services, tackling tobacco smuggling and maintaining awareness campaigns to encourage smokers to quit will pave the way for a smokefree society. The BMA will work hand in hand with politicians who have this aim.”
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