In the King’s speech today (17 July) the new government outlined its plans for the first parliamentary session.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, welcomed the decision to reintroduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will create a smoke-free generation:
“The Tobacco and Vapes bill is groundbreaking legislation, which over time will contribute to ending smoking completely. Its reintroduction shows the new government is serious about its commitment to reduce health inequalities.
“People living in deprived areas are more likely to smoke, and experience higher exposure to air pollution, as well as being more likely to live in substandard housing, all of which drive poor lung health. Taking the historic step to phase out smoking – the biggest cause of lung disease in the UK – will reduce deaths from lung conditions and ease some of the £2.5bn burden that smoking places on the NHS each year. But we should not forget those who are already addicted to smoking – we need increased investment in stop smoking services to deal with smoking’s deadly legacy.”
However, there was no mention of a Clean Air Act, something Asthma + Lung UK have been calling for to address slow progress in improving air quality.
Sarah Sleet added:
“Clean air is not a luxury - it’s a basic human right. The new government’s decision to stall on introducing a Clean Air Act is a missed opportunity that fails us all.
“Without stronger targets that align with World Health Organization guidelines, we risk another generation growing up breathing toxic air that harms their lungs for life. The UK is falling behind its closest neighbours. It’s no coincidence that more people die from lung conditions in the UK than anywhere else in Europe when ambition is so low to address one of the major contributing factors to the cause and worsening of lung conditions.
“Air pollution takes a heavy toll on the nation’s health. In the UK, up to 43,000 early deaths a year are linked to toxic air which can be a trigger for the millions of people living with lung conditions, leading to hospitalisation and even death. It also stunts the growth of children’s lungs. From diabetes to dementia, the list of health impacts associated with our everyday exposure to air pollution grows ever longer.
“Failure to act on air pollution disproportionately affects the health of the most vulnerable in our society. It is the poorest communities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds who carry the greatest burden of continued inaction. Fixing health inequalities is central to this government’s mission and a Clean Air Act will help it achieve that ambition.
“Despite this setback, we will continue to fight for everyone’s right to clean air and hold the new government to account to tackle this public health emergency.”