This significant independent review into the government’s current tobacco control policies, led by Dr Javed Khan OBE, looks into whether the UK government will achieve its ambition to make England smokefree by 2030. Although good long-term progress has been made in reducing smoking rates to their lowest ever level, almost 6 million people still smoke in England and smoking is still one of the largest causes of health disparities.

This review was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and it provides independent, evidence-based advice that will inform the government’s approach to reduce the numbers of people taking up smoking and helping smokers to quit. The review makes 15 recommendations for government to achieve a smokefree society. This includes 4 critical recommendations:

• Urgently invest £125 million per year in a comprehensive smokefree 2030 programme. Options to fund this include a ‘polluter pays’ levy.
• Increase the age of sale by one year, every year.
• Offer vaping as a substitute for smoking, alongside accurate information on the benefits of switching, including to healthcare professionals.
• For the NHS to prioritise further action to stop people from smoking, by providing support and treatment across all of its services, including primary care.

The summary document contains the following sections of the full report: executive summary, summary of recommendations, conclusion