IBVTA responds to UCL study that shows adult smoking prevalence in England is stalling

A significant new study from researchers at UCL shows that the decline in smoking prevalence in England has slowed significantly since the pandemic. The lead author Dr Sarah Jackson cites one of the reasons being the increasing disconnect between the risks of vaping compared with smoking.

Chair of the IBVTA Marcus Saxton commented:

“This important research from UCL shows that the Government’s smokefree ambition is stalling. The authors also rightly point to the media attention on vaping and the subsequent disconnect between the substantially greater risks from smoking. 43% of smokers believe that vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking, an increase of 60% since 2019. These are truly shocking figures, reflecting the never-ending cycle of negative stories on vaping, therefore it is of no surprise that smoking rates remain stubbornly high.

The focus on vaping, particularly single use products that are important to quit attempts is driving this misperception. We welcome proportionate legislation, but these smoking figures show now is not the time to ban those vaping devices and flavours that are crucial to getting smokers to quit tobacco.

There are clear challenges for the vaping sector but through a proportionate and evidence-based approach vaping can remain a vital smoking cessation tool and encourage those smokers to make that switch before it is too late.”