Swap Your Cigarettes for Vapes

In a groundbreaking initiative, England is nudging one million smokers to trade their cigarettes for vapes, with pregnant women also being offered financial incentives to quit smoking. This remarkable approach is part of a comprehensive package of measures aimed at slashing smoking rates in England. Conceived under the pioneering 'swap to stop' scheme, these efforts represent a significant step forward in improving public health and achieving a smoke-free future.

The 'swap to stop' scheme marks a first in global public health strategy. It is designed to facilitate a transition from conventional cigarettes to less harmful vaping for almost 20% of smokers in England. Participants will be provided with a vape starter kit and behavioural support to empower their cessation journey. The plan is part of a larger ambition to bring down the smoking rate to 5% or less by 2030, as the nation strives to become smoke-free. Local authorities will be encouraged to participate in the scheme, with the freedom to design a program catering to their unique needs, including the decision to prioritise specific population groups.

Health Minister Neil O’Brien, in his speech, emphasised the urgency of this matter by stating, "Up to 2 out of 3 lifelong smokers will die from smoking. Cigarettes are the only product on sale which will kill you if used correctly." He also announced the decision to extend financial incentives to pregnant women to encourage them to quit smoking. This approach has proven successful in local schemes and will now be implemented nationwide. The incentives will take the form of vouchers and behavioural support, with the plan to be fully operational by the end of next year.

The government also plans to consult on introducing mandatory positive messages and cessation information within cigarette packs. This innovative measure further underscores the government's commitment to promoting a smoke-free society. Simultaneously, a crackdown on illicit vape sales is on the cards, with the aim to deter children and non-smokers from picking up the habit. This move is particularly crucial given the rise in vaping's popularity among young people.

The 'swap to stop' scheme is intended to achieve three primary goals: aid more adults in quitting smoking, deter children and non-smokers from taking up vaping, and utilise vaping as a tool for established adult smokers to quit. The health implications of quitting are profound. Within a year of cessation, the risk of heart attack is halved, substantially reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation or worse.

Supporting pregnant women to have smoke-free pregnancies will significantly decrease the number of babies born underweight or with health complications requiring neonatal and ongoing care. It also minimises the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. This approach not only benefits the mothers and their children but also reduces the burden on the NHS, aligning with the government’s priority to cut NHS waiting lists.

In response to the sharp increase in youth vaping, as demonstrated by NHS figures showing that 9% of 11 to 15-year-olds used e-cigarettes in 2021, up from 6% in 2018, Minister O’Brien will launch a call for evidence. This initiative aims to identify opportunities to limit children's access to and use of vape products and explore further preventative measures. The government will work closely with enforcement agencies and draw from its experience with Trading Standards on illicit tobacco to tackle underage sales and illicit vapes.

A specialised 'illicit vapes enforcement squad' will be created, backed by £3 million of new funding. HMRC and Border Force will also publish an updated strategy to combat illicit tobacco. This comprehensive plan will detail how to continue targeting, catching, and punishing those involved in the illegal tobacco market.

These measures reflect a firm commitment to public health, and their impact is already apparent. Smoking prevalence in England in 2021 was at a record low of 13%, a significant decrease achieved through various measures such as doubling the duty on cigarettes since 2010 and the continuous funding provided to local stop-smoking services. In 2021 to 2022, £68 million of public health grant funds were spent on stop smoking services by local authorities, leading to nearly 100,000 individuals quitting with the support of these services.

Moreover, an additional £35 million has been committed to the NHS this year to ensure all smokers admitted to hospitals are offered NHS-funded tobacco treatment services. This collaborative approach between public health services and medical institutions further strengthens the comprehensive campaign against smoking.

Despite these encouraging statistics, the battle against smoking is far from over. As of now, 5.4 million people in England continue to smoke tobacco, which remains the single largest cause of preventable illness and death. Worryingly, up to 2 out of 3 lifelong smokers will die from smoking, and recent data indicates that 1 in 4 deaths from all cancers were estimated to be from smoking. These figures underscore the urgency of implementing effective measures to curb smoking.

The measures announced are informed by last year's independent smoking review led by Javed Khan, which proposed a range of strategies to help people extinguish the addiction. The review's findings served as a critical resource in developing the current package of measures, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based policymaking.

In conclusion, the 'swap to stop' scheme represents a major shift in public health strategy, underscoring the government’s commitment to making England smoke-free by 2030. By encouraging smokers to switch to vaping, offering financial incentives to pregnant women, and cracking down on illicit vape sales, the government is taking significant steps to curb smoking rates.

The program’s success will not only improve the health of millions but also ease the burden on the NHS, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous society. The world will be watching closely as this pioneering scheme unfolds, potentially providing a blueprint for other nations to follow in their fight against smoking. The road to a smoke-free future is challenging, but with innovative and comprehensive strategies like these, it is certainly within reach.