Analysis for Action on Smoking Health by University College London (UCL) researchers suggests that each day in the United Kingdom approximately 350 young adults aged between 18 and 25 start smoking regularly.

That amounts to 42,500 since the king’s speech announced legislation would be tabled to raise the age of sale from 18 by one year every year from 2027 onwards, making an annual total of 127,500.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said, “It is shocking to realise that hundreds of young adults start smoking every day, risking a lifetime of addiction. Raising the age of sale is vital if we are to put an end to the dreadful toll of disease, disability and premature death caused by smoking. We urge the government to put the bill to parliament before the Easter break. Time is running out if the legislation is to pass before the general election.”

Once someone starts smoking, on average, it takes thirty attempts to stop, and many never succeed. Two out of three people who do not manage to quit will die from their smoking. The majority of smokers want to stop, and three-quarters would never have started if they had the choice again.

Sarah Jackson, (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care), “Most people take up smoking when they’re young and don’t intend for it to become a life-long habit. But they quickly become addicted and then find it very difficult to quit in later life. Smoking at any age has severe health consequences, but these are particularly pronounced among those who start young. Raising the age of sale will lead to fewer young adults taking up smoking and reduce the burden of smoking-related death and disease for the next generation.”

Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said, “Smoking causes around 150 cancer cases every day in the UK and it’s devastating to see this data, which estimates so many young adults still take it up. That’s why passing the age of sale legislation as quickly as possible is so critical. We look forward to seeing the government present the legislation and urge all MPs to support this world-leading measure so that we can help create the first ever smokefree generation.”

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