Sir Chris Whitty has shared some big news for the UK, which many are calling ‘historic’. The professor, who serves as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, the Chief Medical Adviser to the UK government, and the leader of the public health field, shared this update on social media in a detailed thread about the important change.

Sir Chris Whitty has announced a significant development for the UK, widely described as ‘historic.’ Professor Whitty, who holds the roles of Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK government, as well as being a prominent figure in public health, delivered this update via a comprehensive social media thread detailing the impactful change.

The newly approved Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to propel the UK toward achieving “the first smoke-free generation.” This legislation prohibits the sale of tobacco to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009. The government asserts that with the Bill now enacted, upcoming generations will be shielded from the detrimental effects of smoking.

Effective from January 2027, the NHS states, “These changes are intended to disrupt the cycle of addiction and avert smoking-related health issues, representing a significant stride towards forging the UK’s first smoke-free generation.” Research indicates that smoking reduces the lifespan of two out of three smokers.

This pioneering legislation ensures that today’s children will never legally purchase cigarettes, a move the government believes will help break the persistent cycle of addiction and its longstanding consequences. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable deaths.

Taking to X to share an update with the British public, Sir Chris Whitty said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act has now received Royal Assent and becomes law. Smoking has killed and disabled millions of people. Most smokers wish they had never started, but are trapped by addiction to nicotine- addiction takes their choice away.

“Smoking increases the risk of bad pregnancy outcomes, stroke, heart disease, lung diseases, dementia, limb amputations and many cancers. This Act, which has wide public support, will create a smoke-free generation.”

“Smoking in younger age groups has reduced significantly over the last decade (change in prevalence below). The Act will accelerate this. Some bits of industry are clearly marketing vapes to children. This is utterly unacceptable and risks creating lifelong dependence.”

He went on to say this week’s YouGov polling shows the majority (64%) of the population want smoking to be banned either entirely, or phased out. “Only 22% currently oppose”, he added. “There is strong support for stopping smoking from every age group, area of the country and social group.”

Under the Act, Sir Chris Whitty says a generation will grow up without the substantial harm and disability caused by smoking. “Second-hand smoke also causes significant harm”, he said. “Smoking around schools, playgrounds and hospitals will be banned to protect children and medically vulnerable adults.”

He continued: “Vapes are safer than smoking and can help smokers quit, but if you don’t smoke don’t vape, and marketing of vapes to children is completely unacceptable. The Act will restrict marketing of vapes at children using packaging, colours, flavours and shopfront displays.

“The most deprived areas have worse health outcomes. Smoking is a major cause of this. Most smoking-associated cancers (red arrows below) are highest in areas of deprivation. This Act will reduce the health difference between wealthy and deprived areas.”

The Bill includes tougher rules for advertising and promoting tobacco, vapes, and similar products. Retailers will also have to register under a new system for selling tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products in the UK. This will help ensure consumers are safer and that the rules are better followed.

In addition to this law, the government is putting a lot of money into helping the 5.3 million smokers in the UK to quit. This includes providing substantial funding to local services that help people quit smoking.

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research UK, said: “This is a truly historic achievement that will help to save and improve lives. With the new law in place, we are moving towards a future where children will grow up shielded from the life-long harms of tobacco. It will mean more people living a life free from the grip of deadly addiction, fewer people facing a cancer diagnosis and less pressure on an already overstretched health service.

“Today’s milestone is the result of decades of research, overwhelming support in Parliament, tireless campaigning and backing from people whose lives have been devastated by smoking. Governments across the UK must now ensure the act is implemented fully in every nation, alongside support to help people quit smoking. A future free from the lethal harms of tobacco is firmly within reach.”

Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England National Medical Director, said: “This legislation is a major step forward in tackling one of England’s biggest public health challenges. The NHS will support the bill’s ambition by providing advice and treatment to help hundreds of thousands of people stop smoking – and we will work with our local authority partners to reduce tobacco-related disease among future generations.”