“Tobacco has no place in Wales’ future”: Lynne Neagle sets out a vision for a smoke-free Wales by 2030

THE dangers of smoking and the harm caused by tobacco products have been well-known for decades. But, while cigarettes and nicotine are still part of some of our lives today, the Welsh Government has plans to ensure that smoking will not be a part of our futures, with its vision for a smoke-free Wales by 2030.

Some may question if stubbing out smoking on a national scale is a realistic target. However, the Welsh Government have been clear that tackling deep-rooted health inequalities caused by smoking and protecting children and young people, requires bold targets.

At the launch of a consultation for the long-term tobacco control strategy, Deputy Minister for Wellbeing, Lynne Neagle, explained the goal of Wales being smoke-free by the end of the decade is based on supporting people to make choices to improve their health and wellbeing.

Wales has already become the first UK nation to introduce smoke-free playgrounds, school grounds and hospital grounds. From 1 March 2022 smoking bedrooms in hotels and guest houses have also been banned, as well as smoking in self-contained holiday accommodation such as cottages and caravans.

Further plans include looking at how additional support can be given to help more people quit through the NHS free Help Me Quit service and exploring how publicly funded organisations could support the smoke-free target, while helping workforces to get advice and support to quit.

The public are asked to take part in the consuitation and help shape Wales’ approach to creating a smoke-free society. Here, Lynne Neagle explains the Welsh Government’s vision for a smoke-free Wales, and how your views can help make it a reality.

What does a smoke-free Wales actually mean?

“I want living smoke-free to be the norm for people in Wales. In our tobacco strategy ‘A Smoke-free Wales’ we’ve set our vision of a near future where fewer than 5% of adults are smokers by 2030. Experts have said that a smoking prevalence of 5% is the threshold at which the tobacco epidemic could become unsustainable.”

“Right now, we know that most people in Wales are non-smokers, with only around 14% of adults currently smoking. Given the significant harms caused by tobacco, we feel it’s vital that more people are enabled to live smoke-free lives.”

“Eradicating the harm caused by tobacco is a bold and ambitious goal but it is possible. A smoke-free Wales by 2030 is a mission to improve lives by preventing smoking related illnesses and deaths. It means supporting a healthier, more equal society for all.”

How does reducing the numbers of smokers tackle health inequalities in Wales?

“We know there are groups and communities in Wales who have higher smoking prevalence, have a higher risk of taking up smoking, or experience increased health impacts from smoking.

This includes those living in our more deprived communities, those with mental health conditions, and those in routine and manual occupations.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the less well off in Wales has highlighted the importance of tackling the causes of these health inequalities with a renewed urgency and heightened ambition. So, if we know that higher smoking rates contribute to existing health inequalities, why wouldn’t we work to support people to make healthier choices?”

How is smoking affecting the lives of children in Wales?

“Smoking impacts on the lives of children and young people, during pregnancy through to adolescence. It’s time to break that cycle. We’ve known for decades that smoking is extremely harmful and damaging to health, both for those exposed to second-hand smoke and for those smoking themselves. This isn’t new information. What might be is the fact that research by the charity ASH shows that in the UK nearly 1.5 million households which include someone who smokes are currently in poverty, when the costs of tobacco addiction are accounted for. But, around 428,000 people could be lifted out of poverty if they stopped smoking. This means 235,0000 fewer children could be living below the poverty line.

“Honestly, that’s just the start of a very long list of reasons why we must support future generations to be smoke-free. These impacts are also why we’re engaging with children and young people to hear their views as we work to create a smoke-free Wales.”

What about e-cigarettes? Do they have a place in a smoke-free Wales?

“We don’t want to normalise smoking behaviours of any kind, and frankly, it’s better that people never start using nicotine in any form. E-cigarettes should also never be used by children, young people and non-smokers. That said, we recognise that some people use them and other nicotine products to help them quit smoking tobacco. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority has recently invited companies to submit products for assessment as licensed electronic cigarettes and other inhaled nicotine-containing products. Licensing of medicines is the remit of the UK Government, but we will keep looking at how e-cigarettes and other products could help people to stop smoking.”

New Zealand has announced that it will ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2008. Do you want to raise the age of sale for tobacco here?

“I’d strongly support looking at whether the age of sale for tobacco should be raised. That issue, as well as the level of tax and the price of tobacco is in the hands of the UK Government. So, we’ll continue to work with the other UK Governments on these UK wide issues, as well as share good practices that can help tackle issues of tobacco control, safety warnings on products, and environmental issues.”

What’s the added harm with illegal cigarettes, isn’t it just a case of lost tax revenue?

“That’s what many will assume, but the rules on what tobacco can be sold and how it’s sold are there for some really serious reasons. Illegal tobacco helps to get children and young people addicted to cigarettes and is closely linked with organised crime such as drugs and people trafficking bringing criminal activities into communities and making them less safe. We think that almost half of smokers in Wales have been offered illegal tobacco and would encourage the public to report it to Crimestoppers if they see it being sold on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the new dedicated Wales Illegal Tobacco website – www.noifs-nobutts.co.uk.

“In tackling illegal tobacco, we’re working to protect children and young people from getting addicted to tobacco, preventing tobacco products from being sold to those below the legal age and cutting the income that funds organised crime. So no, it’s not a just case of lost tax revenue.”

To find out more about A Smoke-free Wales and take part in the consultation visit: Welsh Government smoking consultation gov.wales/consultations