United Kingdom: Experts support strengthening regulations on tobacco and vaping
Over 1,800 professionals urge the UK government to maintain strong regulations on tobacco and vaping to protect youth.Summary
A total of 1,845 health and education professionals have signed an open letter to the British Health Minister, urging the government to uphold its proposals to strengthen rules on the packaging, appearance, and presentation of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products. This comes as a government consultation concluded on October 2nd, part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act adopted in April 2026. The signatories oppose efforts by the tobacco and vaping industries to weaken the measures, emphasizing the need to close regulatory gaps, particularly for cigars and cigarillos, which currently lack plain packaging and health warnings. A YouGov poll shows strong public support: 60% back extending plain packaging to cigars, and 79% support banning packaging that appeals to children. The letter calls on the government to resist industry pressure, in line with WHO FCTC Article 5.3, and to implement all proposed measures to protect children from nicotine marketing. Recent data indicates 19% of British 11-17 year olds have tried e-cigarettes and 6% currently vape.
(Source：Génération sans tabac)
