Over 1,200 public health leaders, including doctors and officials, are urging the UK Parliament to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill swiftly to protect future generations from smoking and tobacco addiction.

The Bill is regarded as a historic, 'world-leading' measure that offers a rare opportunity to significantly reduce smoking prevalence, health inequalities, and the costs to the NHS, with health organizations emphasizing its importance.

The legislation proposes a ban on tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, and includes restrictions on e-cigarette packaging, marketing, and flavors to prevent youth smoking initiation.

Smoking remains the UK's leading cause of preventable death, responsible for over 70,000 deaths annually, including around 18,000 from heart disease, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures.

Currently, about 11.9% of UK adults, roughly six million people, smoke, underscoring the ongoing public health challenge and the importance of the Bill.

There has been a six-month delay between the Bill’s second reading and its upcoming debate in the House of Lords, emphasizing the need for swift legislative action.

Since the Bill's introduction last November, over 120,000 young adults aged 18-25 have started smoking, with continued exposure of children to irresponsible vape marketing.

Advocates like Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health believe the legislation could prevent thousands of young people from becoming addicted to tobacco.

Public health leaders warn that delaying the Bill could result in ongoing harm, with some proposing alternative measures such as raising the legal age for tobacco sales.

Tobacco industry groups have threatened legal action and are attempting to influence MPs to weaken the proposed measures.

The Bill is seen as a rare opportunity to reduce health inequalities and promote a society free from tobacco harms, with support from organizations like Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

Public opinion is divided, with 58% of adults supporting alternatives to a generational ban, such as maintaining or increasing the legal age of tobacco sales.