The UK government aims to reduce the number of smokers in the country to 5 percent by 2030. The National Statistical Institute calculated that the country’s population in 2020 was approximately 67 million.
Within the scope of the determined target, it is aimed to gradually increase the age to buy tobacco products every year in order to minimize the use of cigarettes by 2030.
The age at which tobacco can be purchased in the country was increased from 16 to 18 in 2007.
Although tobacco use has declined since the 1970s, 6 million people still smoke regularly in the UK.
In Turkey, this number is much higher. According to the 2018-2023 Tobacco Control Plan, the number of smokers in Turkey is more than 15 million.
The British government’s goal is to minimize and end smoking. Health Minister Sajid Javid has asked Javed Khan, who was the CEO of Barnardo’s, the country’s largest children’s charity, from 2014-2021, to prepare a report on the current rules, including new recommendations.
Khan’s proposal regarding the age limit is not yet known, but it is on the agenda to increase this limit gradually every year, aiming that today’s children will never be able to reach tobacco products. This is similar to the healthcare law in New Zealand, which is expected to go into effect next year.
With the entry into force of the decision, those born after 2008 in New Zealand will not be able to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products for life.
According to the UK’s National Statistical Institute, one in nine people aged 18-24 in the country currently smokes. In 2019, 75,000 people died due to diseases caused by smoking. That’s 15 percent of all deaths.
Khan’s government;
- Confiscation of profits of tobacco companies,
- Promoting electronic cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco,
- It is expected to recommend further investment in activities aimed at smoking cessation.
The government is not expected to immediately give the green light to Khan’s proposals, but they will be considered.