New Vape Swap Scheme Aims to Kick a Million Smokers
England is launching a world-first “swap to stop” scheme to push one million smokers to ditch cigarettes for vapes. Smokers will get free vape starter kits plus behavioural support as part of a major government push to slash smoking rates to just 5% by 2030.
Pregnant Women to Get Cash Incentives to Quit
Health Minister Neil O’Brien announced a bold plan to offer pregnant women who smoke financial incentives to quit. Vouchers and extra support will be rolled out by the end of next year to help mums-to-be kick the habit and reduce risks to their babies.
Crackdown on Illicit Vapes and Youth Vaping
With vape use rising among youngsters, the government will launch a Call for Evidence on youth vaping. A £3 million ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ will tackle illegal vape sales and underage access. HMRC and Border Force will also unveil a tough new strategy to fight illicit tobacco smuggling.
Health Minister Issues Stark Warning
“Up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking. Cigarettes are the only product for sale that will kill you if used correctly,” said Neil O’Brien.
“We want to offer new help to quit. Working with councils, we’ll give a million smokers free vaping kits as part of the first national scheme of its kind.”
Why This Matters
- Smoking causes one in four cancer deaths and remains England’s biggest preventable killer.
- Quitting halves the risk of heart attacks within a year.
- Helping pregnant smokers reduce low birth weight, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
- Cutting smoking eases NHS pressure and helps reduce waiting lists.
- Almost 100,000 people quit last year with stop smoking services funded by over £68 million.
Despite progress, 5.4 million adults still smoke in England. This fresh push aims to change that with innovative support, cash rewards, and tougher enforcement against black market sales.
