Ask any public health official what they think has been the most successful campaign in the UK over the past decade, and they will likely say the anti-smoking campaign. As a public health campaign, the drive to reduce smoking in the past few years has seen absolutely astonishing success, with the number of smokers in the UK falling from 25% of the population in 2007 to just 14.8% of the population in 2020.
Meanwhile, the North West has seen bigger gains in this area than other regions in England, owing partly to the historically higher prevalence of smoking in the region. Some of the most significant drops in the country have been seen in former smoking hotspots such as Blackpool and Carlisle, according to data from Public Health England.
What’s more, 2020 saw the most significant decline in smoking on record, with as many as one million people in the UK having packed in the habit in 2020. So, what are the trends driving this decline in smoking? Let’s take a look.
Source: Pixabay
1. Better Public Messaging
One of the most important factors in the decline of smoking in the UK has undoubtedly been vastly improved public messaging on the dangers of smoking tobacco. The past decade has seen a number of hard-hitting, instantly memorable NHS campaigns aimed at highlighting the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.
Meanwhile, much of the health messaging we have seen in recent years has moved beyond simply saying “smoking is bad for your health”. There has, instead, been a distinct move towards highlighting the many, many other ways that smoking cigarettes is harmful, including the social, and financial consequences. All of this has had a powerful impact.
2. Tobacco-Free Alternatives
Another major contributor to the decline of smoking has undoubtedly been the rise of safer, cheaper tobacco-free alternatives. One such alternative is the vape pen, which has resulted in around 3.6 million Britons becoming regular vapers, most of which were former smokers.
In addition, those looking for a more discreet and carcinogen-free nicotine hit opt for popular nicotine pouches called “snus”. Ex-smokers tend to buy popular brands such as White Fox here and have them delivered. The convenience and tobacco-free nature of these products have undoubtedly helped countless people quit smoking.
Source: Pixabay
3. Expenses
It has certainly helped that smoking has become increasingly expensive in just the past five or so years. Thanks to government “sin taxes” that are designed to provide a financial incentive to quit smoking, the average price of a pack of cigarettes has risen substantially almost every year for the past decade. In 2011, the average pack of 20 cigarettes costs about £6.
In 2021, the average pack of cigarettes now costs £12.73, meaning the price has risen by more than 100% in just 10 years. For those who are concerned about their budgets, these price changes are a pretty compelling argument to kick the habit for good.
The number of smokers in the UK continues to fall. As the government continues to express hopes that it will meet its target of reducing the number of smokers in the UK to 5% of the population by 2030, it’s clear that the signs are looking good.
