Smoking Rates Increase in Parts of England, Research Shows

A recent study from University College London indicates that smoking rates in England have stalled, with some regions experiencing increases for the first time in nearly two decades. The national average smoking prevalence fell from 25.3% to 16.5% between 2006 and 2024, but between 2020 and 2024, smoking rates rose in areas like the South West, where it increased from 16.0% to 18.7%. Conversely, smoking rates in the north of England saw significant declines, nearly halving from 28.8% to 15.8%, highlighting a narrowing of regional disparities in smoking prevalence. Researchers emphasize the need for accessible stop-smoking services nationwide to counteract this stagnation and the emerging trends of increased smoking in certain areas. Lead author Dr. Sarah Jackson stated that the concentration of regional tobacco control programs has contributed to the success in the north but warned that the overall progress is now at risk. The findings underscore the importance of sustained efforts in tobacco control, especially as the UK considers new legislation to combat smoking.