May urged to publish anti-smoking strategy

More than 1,000 medical professionals have called on Theresa May to publish the government’s anti-smoking strategy, which was due to be published last summer.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, senior doctors reminded May of the figures suggesting that smoking rates are highest and most damaging to health among the least well-off, claiming that the plan is essential to cut both current smoking rates and life expectancy disparity.

Cancer Research UK has supported government claims that say that driving smoking rates down to five per cent by 2035 is feasible, but other experts have warned that support, both public and financial, is necessary to fuel mass media campaigns.

The authors of the letter, which is being published in the British Medical Journal, agree and argue that recent progress against smoking could reverse unless a plan is put in place.

Dr Andrew Furber, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: “Directors of public health in local authorities are charged with the responsibility of reducing smoking prevalence. But to succeed needs leadership at national as well as local level.

“The government must renew the tobacco strategy without further delay. Otherwise we risk losing the momentum gained from recent welcome changes such as standardised packing.”

Professor John Middleton, president of the Faculty of Public Health and co-author alongside Furber, added: “Smoking rates have declined over the years, in large part because of concerted government action. However rates are still highest amongst the poorest and if the prime minister truly wants to increase the life expectancy of the poorest in society her government needs to renew its tobacco control strategy, which expired over a year ago.”