Comment from TBI Director of Health Policy and former GP Dr Charlotte Refsum:
The government has proven itself to be bold by introducing this anti-smoking legislation.
State intervention to improve health works. The ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants has been proven to reduce hospital admissions for heart attacks as well as air pollution from cigarette smoke. The sugar tax has led to drinks manufacturers changing their products so they contain significantly less sugar.
We also need to remember that nearly half of people who smoke want to quit. Thanks to this legislation there will be a generation of young people who will never get addicted to nicotine and therefore never suffer the ill-effects of smoking.
The government should now go even further to improve the health of the nation by introducing our proposal for “Protect Britain”. Backed by Sir John Bell, Protect Britain would bring a new generation of vaccines, therapeutics and screening to those at risk of otherwise preventable diseases; meeting people where they are – online, at home and in the high street.
It could save billions of pounds and return millions of people to the workplace, creating a healthier, happier more prosperous nation.
Further info
TBI’s full proposals can be read in our report Moving From Cure to Prevention Could Save the NHS Billions: A Plan to Protect Britain
Lead image: Getty