Public health leaders send message to Government as smoke-free generation edges closer
Monday, 16 February 2026
Public health leaders across Cheshire and Merseyside have united to urge the Government to press ahead with a parliamentary ruling aimed at stopping future generations from taking up smoking.
The Tobacco & Vapes Bill, which was first put forward in November 2024, is set to move into its next parliamentary stage later this month, with the House of Lords scheduled to debate during the Report Stage.
If passed, the changes will mean that people born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to legally buy tobacco or vapes, creating a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to break the cycle of addiction and preventable illnesses caused by smoking, say those who champion the Bill.
Due to a combination of approaches, including policy and legislation, smoking rates for adults in some areas of Cheshire and Merseyside are reducing. However, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the sub-region, claiming more than 74,600 lives each year.
Now, in a joint statement to the Government, the sub-region’s nine public health leaders and Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside are calling for the Bill to be passed “without delay”.
The statement, which is part of a wider rallying call with health leaders from across the country, highlights the stark economic impact of smoking, costing Cheshire and Merseyside alone £1.75 billion each year, including £175 million in direct health and care costs.
It is estimated that, for individuals, the habit drains an average of £2,338 annually from household budgets already under pressure.
Most smokers start before the age of 18, with earlier initiation leading to greater dependency, poorer quit outcomes, and worse health.
According to independent research from the Champs Public Health Collaborative in Cheshire and Merseyside, 77% of smokers across the sub-region say they regret starting, and two-thirds say their lives would be much better if they quit.
Dr Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Lead Director of Public Health for Cheshire and Merseyside’s All Together Smoke Free programme, said:
“This Bill will create the first smoke-free generation, meaning today’s young people won’t have to live with the regret of starting to smoke.
“We know that public support is strong, with two-thirds of adults locally backing a smoke-free generation.
“As a group, we are calling for the Bill to swiftly pass through its Report Stage in the House of Lords, so that it can progress as soon as possible. Our message is clear: do not waste this moment.”
Among the provisions of the Bill is the extension of smoke-free rules to certain outdoor settings, such as children’s playgrounds, and outside schools and hospitals.
There will also be stricter control over advertising and promotion of tobacco, vapes and other products, plus retailers will face a new registration system for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products entering the UK market, strengthening consumer safety and enforcement.
Once through its Report Stage in the House of Lords, the Bill will progress to Royal Assent before becoming law on 1 January 2027.
Prof. Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“It is simply not right that we are losing lives every day to illnesses that are entirely preventable, not to mention the astronomical cost to health and care services. However, it is possible to change this pattern with a smoke-free generation.
“Our ambition is to end smoking everywhere for everyone and this Bill will help us do that.”
For further information about Smoking Ends Here and local stop smoking services, visit: www.smokingendshere.com.