1. International relations

The new Labour government’s leader Sir Keir Starmer is all about service to the country and the community we live in. Sir Starmer is keen to build on Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s good relationships with Europe, America and our international partners around the world.

Fortunately for Keir Starmer the new Labour Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and his senior team was able to attend the North Atlantic Trade Organisation NATO conference and network with other international leaders and strategic allies of Great Britain and Northen Ireland shortly after winning the General Election.

On the 18^th July the European Political Community (EPC) summit was held at historic Blenheim Palace. (1)

2. Defence spending

Sir Keir Starmer has committed to spending 2.5% of the UK’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence spending including £3 billion per year on military aid to Ukraine for as long for as it is needed. Initial meetings with American President Joe Biden at the international North America Trade Organisation NATO gave the new Prime Minister for the UK an opportunity to encourage our political allies to support Ukrainians in defending their country from Russian invasion.

This week the Prime Minister flew to America to meet with President Joe Biden once more to discuss the eastern European conflict and how to support Ukraine. It has been widely reported that the two leaders discussed the controversial decision to sanction long-range missiles and other weapons, as the threat from Russian bombardment continues to devastate Ukrainian towns and cities, with many more civilian lives lost again in recent days.

3. National public disorder problems and security challenge

A major security challenge faced Keir Starmer and his leadership team in the form of widespread public disorder in England this summer. The unrest was sparked on the 30^th July 2024 by incorrectly spread disinformation about the ethnicity of a man who carried out a shocking and tragic stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in the northern coastal town of Southport.

Street protestors tuned violent and the far-right thugs attacked mosques and other public places that shelter England’s multicultural community. Dozens of police officers were injured.

Hundreds of rioters have been prosecuted so far along with several adults who knowingly and deliberately spread disinformation and lies on social media.

We will analyse the summer riots and the consequences for labour and the country in another article with more detail soon. The violence quickly diminished after it was clear that any person threatening or hurting innocent members of the public and policemen and policewomen would not be tolerated.

The courts have been working overtime over the last month in order to process and prosecute up to 250 people who have been accused of rioting and violence in several protests in communities across England at the beginning of August, particularly in the Manchester region of England.

4. Tackle pressure on prisons

The previous Conservative government understood that prison places were nearly at capacity in England and Wales and there has been some investment in providing new facilities and places for those that have broken the law and received jail sentences. However, these efforts did not go far enough to prevent Labour coming to power to find many prisons in England are currently struggling to meet the basic demands of prisoners. This includes containing violence and prevent incidents of self-harm within prisons.

Keir Starmer and his leadership team have already made tough decisions. This month Labour leaders have chosen to release up to thousands of prison inmates who have been convicted of relatively less serious offences. The chosen prisoners will be able to walk out of incarceration after they have served up to only 40% of their sentences in some cases. (Source BBC Radio 4 News PM show Friday 6 September 2024).

5. Public sector pay review

The public sector pay review has been a key priority for the new Labour government. This has been especially in focus because of the serious impact to the delivery of health services during the recent National Health worker strikes, such as the junior doctors strikes.

Not everyone is in agreement that this is the right way to go about getting value for taxpayers and their families in their National Health Services. On the BBC Radio 4 “Any Questions” show today, Alex Salmond previously First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 criticised the Labour party for cutting fuel credits for pensioners not on welfare benefits after quickly giving public sector workers such as doctors and train drivers above inflation wage increases. (8)

6. Improve National Health Service standards and long wait times for treatment

Labour has promised to deal with the situation of long wait times of up to a year or more for National Health Service treatment that is experienced by millions of citizens in England. Despite the lockdowns and shutdowns that were supposed to avoid additional impact on the healthcare system Covid disruption has left a backlog of health treatment that has been hard to catch up with. This is despite the amazing work by NHS managers, doctors, nurses and their teams.

Extra funding over the past few years allocated from central government has not solved the problems which cause long waits for treatment in some departments.

Some of the causes of not being able to get on top of the long waits for treatment are complex system failures such as cuts in social care, building and infrastructure underinvestment, medical staff strikes and sickness, training, burnout and recruitment and retention problems.

The Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting declared the NHS to be “broken” so the only way is up for Labour to work with healthcare leaders across the UK to transform the beloved NHS into an efficient and effective organisation for everyone in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to be proud of every day. (6)

7. Supporting families and children

Labour is in the process of rolling out the Conservative’s policy of at least 15 hours free childcare hours for every child over the age of 2 years. Free breakfast clubs will also be available to all primary aged school children. This will support families and enable more parents to go back to work. Extra funding will be available to pay for training thousands of teachers in subjects where there is currently a shortage. (7)

There is a lot of support for reversing the two-child benefit cap in England (this has already been scrapped in Scotland) However, speaking on ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg’ Chancellor Rachel Reeves has not committed to doing this yet this year, due to insufficient funds being available at the Treasury, to pay for the increase in benefits. (9)

This is controversial for many politicians including the Green party who support the reversal of this policy. This is because if benefits were increased to families that need them and reflected the number of children in any English household, this would immediately enable thousands of children to move out of poverty. Many of the poorest larger family households in the UK currently are choosing between spending on heating or eating, this winter already.

It was announced today that advertising on a variety of unhealthy foods and drinks are being banned before 9pm with effect from October 2025. This decision by the Labour party leadership is in an effort to prevent obesity and health problems due to the unnecessary overconsumption by children and young people of foods and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and salt.

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said “These restrictions will help protect children from being exposed to advertising of less healthy food and drinks, which evidence shows influences their dietary preferences from a young age” (10)

8. The growth economy and employment strategy: increasing the number of adults currently in work

Labour aims to reduce unemployment and help people who are on long term sickness leave to rejoin the labour market and become economically active again. Government figures show that several hundreds of thousands more working age people left the UK workforce during and after all the difficulties experienced because of covid disruption and an increase in health problems in recent years.

Liz Kendall is the new Work and Pensions Secretary and intends to rejuvenate old fashioned Job Centres and provide new schemes to provide customised help to people to help them overcome the barriers to retuning to work.

The New Deal for Working People aims to strengthen existing workers’ rights and improve working conditions across the national workforce.

There is no doubt that minimising stress for working men and women increases happiness, health and productivity. Critics have been concerned that regulations that increase an employer’s responsibilities and legal costs may actually have a negative impact on economic growth in the long term, making companies more hesitant to recruit and hire extra people.

Labour plans for raising much needed government income

Up to £2.6 billion is estimated, by the Chancellor and her financial team, is able to be additionally generated in tax revenue, by closing existing ‘non-dom’ (residents who are not tax domiciles based in the UK) tax loopholes.

This is of course a debatable ‘quick tax win’ as many multi-millionaires and billionaire’s resident in London and the UK can quite easily choose where in the world, they wish to invest their money and be a tax resident.

Therefore, this policy may well have the opposite effect to that which is intended and affect the government’s economic coffers in a negative direction once introduced, should hundreds or thousands of high-net-worth individuals decide to quickly take their spending power and tax revenue elsewhere. (7)

9. Build 1.5 million homes

Rachel Reeves wants to “get Britain building again” The Chancellor says this is important and it will help economic growth in the United Kingdom. (9)

Challenges include the existing planning system and the ongoing tension between local councils, local residents and government planning policy and planning regulations. Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to reform the planning system and introduce a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which focuses on enabling economic growth across the country.

Another factor to consider is the current availability of a sufficiently skilled labour force to deliver the central government target of such a high number of new build properties, every day.

Labour will continue the efforts by the previous conservative government to improve the number, quality and availability of housing across the country. There is huge demand for social affordable housing for those on lower incomes. Thsi is because over the previous decades, it is agreed by all parties, that we have not built enough of the kind of social housing that many individuals and families on a budget desperately need.

Many areas in counties all over England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have new housing that does not effectively meet the needs of the local people but is the type of residential building that has suited the requirements of private developers and house builders. Privately owned housebuilders are usually primarily focused on making a profit and keep their business operations running smoothly.

Labour is looking at the complex area of planning policy to see where the opportunities for simplifying and improving the system are. This is a complicated and expensive area but with the issue of providing enough new housing, like solving the homeless problem in the UK, it is not ‘rocket science’ and delivering better housing for everyone is an achievable and vital goal for this energetic and creative new government to commit to, and succeed in completing.

10. Infrastructure, transport and energy

Investing in quality infrastructure fit for the future and reducing household bills

Labour is currently introducing more regulation to ensure privately owned utilities, including water companies, will invest in the construction of system upgrades. Labour’s new policies will force companies to invest in major infrastructure improvements, to provide value for UK citizens in the long term.

Sir Keir Starmer and his team are avoiding going down the nationalising strategy road as there is a view that buying back utilities companies is not something that economically speaking, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in a financial position to be able to do at present.

However, this is all hugely challenging as many United Kingdom based utility service providers are in debt ‘to the tune of’ millions of pounds. Therefore, as costs are passed onto the consumer, this ultimately costs UK residents money through their household bills which have nearly all gone up significantly above inflation year on year, over the past decade.

Any mandated improvements will then additionally also be directly passed on through the cost of energy and utility bills sent to householders. Currently many millions of bill payers and their families on our island are faced with increasing bills. Simultaneously residents experience often low-quality bathing water (and other waterside and water sport activities) affecting their healthy enjoyment of life and their ability to enjoy the sea and river waters, by which they live.

To future proof our basic infrastructure for this generation and also the next generations serious investment is required to replace our, in places, antiquated and leaking systems. There are several big expensive infrastructure projects underway across the country as regional and local councils realise that increasing population density creates an urgent need for major investment to provide water, sewage, electricity, communication and gas and other renewable energy supplies to homes and businesses throughout the UK.

This situation is closely linked to another important priority for Labour to improve:

Fuel Poverty and financial hardship currently experienced by millions of individuals and families in the UK.  (6)

There is also the massive challenge of providing cleaner greener energy to our homes and businesses (which are currently heated mostly by natural gas) and a Labour manifesto objective to deliver this by 2030 which is less than 6 years away. (7)

Finding ways to build energy independence in the UK to provide a more secure energy provision will also involve major infrastructure investment, which will cost many millions of pounds to introduce.

Labour’s Great British energy company will be ‘owned by the British people’ based in Scotland and the plan promises to ambitiously make progress in developing secure (nationally managed) energy whilst creating good jobs and lowering bills for citizens.

Great British Energy’s three initial priorities

“Great British Energy will have three initial priorities working alongside private partners:

1. “Co-investing in new technologies: Great British Energy will help speed up and scale the deployment of new technologies, with public investment helping to crowd in investment in areas like floating offshore wind, tidal power and hydrogen as they develop into mature technologies.” (11)
2. “Scale and accelerate mature technologies: Great British Energy will also help scale and accelerate the roll-out of mature technologies, like wind, solar and nuclear. It will partner with existing private sector firms to speed up deployment of mature renewable technologies to meet our ambitious clean power timelines. It will also build organisational capability and expertise to deliver energy megaprojects like nuclear power stations, reducing project and construction risk.” (11)
3. “Scale up municipal and community energy: GB Energy will partner with energy companies, local authorities and cooperatives to develop 8GWs small-scale and medium-scale community energy projects. Profits will flow directly back into local communities to cut bills, not to the shareholders of foreign companies. This will help to create a more decentralised energy system, with more local generation and ownership, and will help to create a more resilient energy system.” (11)

Boosting onshore and offshore wind power infrastructure development sounds fantastic and we all want to minimise our reliance on fossil fuels and protect our environment to meet our climate objectives.

We do have considerable opportunity as an often (but not always) the British Isles are a very windy island, so maximising the natural opportunities that wind technology can could contribute to reliable energy independence.

All these major infrastructure projects are potentially and actually located in different parts of the country and often in areas of outstanding or special beauty and much-loved unspoilt countryside and coastlines.

Those households who benefit from receiving cheap and reliable energy may live many hundreds of miles away from the location of the turbines, machinery, equipment and power stations and their physical networks of different varieties.

The challenge is to overcome the natural reluctance of villages and towns to shoulder a heavy burden in terms of plant and new infrastructure allocated altogether on their doorstep and as far as the eye can see. Financial incentives and new jobs for communities agreeing to host much needed infrastructure development could be part of the answer to ensuring British energy independence, which could be imperative during these uncertain times internationally.

Transport

Although electric vehicles are now commonplace on our roads in the UK there is a lot to be done to create an efficient and affordable transport system in the UK that helps to maximise the potential for economic growth and well-being, for both UK citizens and international visitors.

Many major cities have frequent long traffic jams that slow up productivity and unnecessarily increase carbon emissions in England. The South East of England is often affected by miles of queues, with infrastructure improvements such as the A27 bypass shelved because they are too expensive to deliver at this time.

Train travel is a great opportunity and has a splendid and innovative history in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but there are also massive challenges to overcome to deliver services that meet the expectations of commuters, students and international leisure travellers used to the efficient and reasonably priced services currently delivered at standard, in many other European countries.

Although many people who work on the railways are wonderfully helpful key workers, often UK train services are still super expensive, unreliable and overcrowded train services that millions of people struggle to rely on in order to get to work and other important appointments.

The Conservatives cancelled their flagship HS2 rail infrastructure project and train drivers (who have recently been given pay rises despite no improvement in services discernible to rail users) have been consistently on strike in recent months, so there is a lot that can be improved. (7)

Bus services are a postcode lottery and not everyone can afford to run a car of any variety and additionally not everyone lives near a bus stop or train station. Labour strives to improve transport and also “promote social mobility and regional equality” which sounds great.

“Buses in England outside London were privatised and deregulated by law in the 1980s, before limited powers were given to metro mayors as part of devolution, allowing them to set routes and timetables.” Stated the Guardian newspaper explaining why some of our most convenient public transport networks are not as appropriate, accessible and affordable as they could be. (12)

Impressively labour have wasted no time in making a radical change to the existing organisation of transport in communities by enabling local authorities across England to run and control bus services. This means local council leaders can introduce and be more flexible about providing routes and services that closely meet the people who live in their specific area.

The new transport secretary Louise Haigh called it a “bus revolution” but time will tell whether councils have the funding to truly deliver the kind of system that local people (often in rural locations) really need to reliably get them to their healthcare appointments, educational institutions, social and family meetups and crucially to their employment workplaces. (12)

Conclusion

The delighted elation for Labour politicians at the exciting and decisive win gained in the July UK General Election, after being in opposition for 14 years, has now faded with the summer evening sunshine. It is time to get down to the real and sometimes shocking business of leading this amazing, beautiful, talented, often problematic and occasionally troubled country.

The enthusiasm and determination of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and their capable senior team is admirable, and also occasionally rather depressing if considering the serious situation of attempting to balance the nation’s financial books post covid, Brexit, energy crisis and conservative leadership changes.

If the UK can experience economic growth and prosperity and also be an alternative green energy hub that the world can admire, that will be amazing. There is a lot of work to do as many government departments are currently underfunded and trying to make it work with diminishing resources that have already suffered budget cuts during the austerity years.

There is no doubt that there are opportunities to work smarter with existing budgets but also it is clear there is still a lot to do in all directions, to make any significant improvements to the quality of life and future prospects of British citizens.

Sir Keir’s leadership will be essential to ensuring that Labour manifesto priorities are delivered while simultaneously hiring and leading the great teams that are needed to focus on serving our communities well in the long term, whilst providing the services and facilities that are needed right now.

The first role of government is to preserve the security of the people. All Members of Parliament led by the Prime Minister will need to embrace and adapt to a changing international landscape with key elections in America in November this year that may significantly change the balance of power. There are ongoing serious international conflicts that affect the UK and all nations around the globe.

Careful diplomacy will be needed to assist in creating a more peaceful planet, maintaining our security and defence and handling situations out of our government’s direct control, such as the unexpected energy crisis, that in recent years have affected almost all our lives living in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Perhaps the recent NASA International Space Station Missions can provide much needed inspiration of how we can succeed in creating a more peaceful world, if many countries can work together with the right mindset and a fresh perspective:

“The main goal of the International Space Station is to work on peaceful projects. In space, we’re all people from Earth.” declared Sunita Williams who is a talented NASA Astronaut who has definitely found her “happy place”.

We hope Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s professional, serious, calm and collaborative approach can help lead the United Kingdom’s citizens back on earth to build and develop the best health and prosperity that is possible over the coming years, for a nation heading into the 21^st century.

  (1) ‘What will Keir Starmer’s first few weeks as prime minister look like?’ Rebecca Mckee and Jack Pannell, Institute for Government, 26 June 2024 ‘What will Keir Starmer’s first few weeks as prime minister look like?’ Rebecca Mckee and Jack Pannell, Institute for Government (2) ‘Who is the Speaker of the House of Commons and what do they do?’ Jennifer Clarke, BBC News, 9 July 2024 ‘Who is the Speaker of the House of Commons and what do they do?’ Jennifer Clarke, BBC News (3) ‘First Minister John Swinney announced his first Programme for Government on 4 September 2024’ Scottish Government official press release 4 September 2024 ‘First Minister John Swinney announced his first Programme for Government on 4 September 2024’ Scottish Government official press release (4) ‘Violent scenes as far-right protesters ‘hijack’ vigil for 3 girls killed in Southport knife attack’ Helen Regen, Niamh Kennedy, Maija Ehlinger, Duarte Mendonca, Radian Gigova, CNN News, 1 August 2024 ‘Violent scenes as far-right protesters ‘hijack’ vigil for 3 girls killed in Southport knife attack’ Helen Regen, Niamh Kennedy, Maija Ehlinger, Duarte Mendonca, Radian Gigova, CNN News (5) ‘Further footage released of people wanted over riots’ 5 September 2024 (5) ‘Further footage released of people wanted over riots’ BBC News (6) ‘Labour’s first week: Eight key plans, and the challenges ahead’ Matt McGrath, Kevin Peachey, Nick Triggle, James Landale, Daniel Sandford, Simon Jack, Sima Kotecha, BBC News, 13 July 2024 ‘Labour’s first week: Eight key plans, and the challenges ahead’ Matt McGrath, Kevin Peachey, Nick Triggle, James Landale, Daniel Sandford, Simon Jack, Sima Kotecha, BBC News (7) ‘What can we expect from Labour’s First 100 Days in Power’ Ella Dutton, Brevia Consulting, 12 July 2024 ‘What can we expect from Labour’s First 100 Days in Power’ Ella Dutton, Brevia Consulting (8) ‘Any Questions?’ Alex Forsyth presents political debate from the Skypark in Glasgow, BBC Radio 4 Series, 14 September 2024 ‘Any Questions?’ Alex Forsyth presents political debate from the Skypark in Glasgow, BBC Radio 4 Series (9) ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg’ Featuring Chancellor Rachel Reeves, BBC One News, 21 July 2024 ‘Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg’ Featuring Chancellor Rachel Reeves, BBC One News (10) ‘Ban on junk food TV adverts before 9pm to come in next year’ Alex Boyd and Zahra Fatima, BBC News 12 September 2024 ‘Ban on junk food TV adverts before 9pm to come in next year’ Alex Boyd and Zahra Fatima, BBC News (11) ‘Vote to switch on Great British Energy’ Website promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party, 20 Rushworth Street, London, SE1 0SS,       14  September 2024   ‘Vote to switch on Great British Energy’ Website promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party (12) ‘Labour to give English local authorities power to run bus services’ Gwyn Topham, Transport Correspondent, The Guardian, 9 September 2024 ‘Labour to give English local authorities power to run bus services’ Gwyn Topham, Transport Correspondent, The Guardian (13) International Space Station Quotes, BrainyQuote website, 14 September 2024 International Space Station Quotes, Sunita Williams, NASA Astronaut, BrainyQuote

The votes had been mostly counted after a long day at polling stations all over the United Kingdom last night at 10pm.

This week the polls had predicted that an unprecedented number of people would select to mark a cross in the box for their local Labour party candidates, who were representing their local constituency area. Labour is the major party in opposition to the Conservatives who have been in power for the last 14 years. The last six weeks has seen an energetic roller coaster of an election contest.

It was a truly breathtaking moment when the preliminary UK general election results were announced last night live on television.

Labour had, as the polls had predicted, secured a mega majority of parliamentary seats in the Houses of Parliament gaining an amazing 412 seats. The Liberal Democrats had also won more seats than ever before, with a comparatively impressive 61 seats for their party led by Ed Davies.

It was a truly crushing defeat for the Conservatives who are trailing far behind Labour with 121 seats in a way not seen since the 1930’s and that most of us have never seen in our lifetime.

“The Conservatives saw their vote share almost halve to 23.7 percent, down from 43.6 per cent at the last election.” Reported the Financial Times today. (4)

Rishi Sunak took responsibility for the failure of his party to continue in power, in his departure from Number 10 Downing Street speech earlier. Sunak apologised to the nation for not meeting their expectations. Then with gentlemanly professionalism, he wished the new Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his family the best of luck in the top job role, as he departed holding his wife’s hand. Rishi Sunak was undoubtedly feeling some sense of relief from the pressure of uniting the United Kingdom behind a troubled and ailing Conservative party, which has probably made for a very stressful couple of years.

Today the final results rolled in and with only 2 seats left to declare a huge win for Keir Starmer and the Labour party is confirmed with Labour winning a 33.7% share of the all the votes cast. (1)

The seats won so far today are as follows:

Labour 412, Conservatives 121, Liberal Democrats 71,

Scottish National party 9, Sinn Fein 7, Independent 6, Democratic Unionist Party 5, Reform UK 4, Green 4, Plaid Cymru 4, Social Democratic & Labour Party 2, Alliance Party 1, Ulster Unionist Party 1, Traditional Unionist Voice 1

This means the majority of voters in the UK have voted against re-electing the Conservatives, sending a very strong message for the party.

Men and women of all ages have chosen to turn up and vote for the change which Sir Keir Starmer and his team are proposing. Wes Streeting is likely to become Labour’s Health Secretary very soon, when Keir Starmer announces his new government. Speaking on Laura Kuenssberg’s Sunday morning politics show on the BBC recently, Streeting warned that “not voting was giving a fresh mandate to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his cabinet” to continue with an increasingly unpopular government besieged by scandals and policies that many citizens did not support.  (3)

The public are giving Labour an opportunity to demonstrate how they will improve Great Britain and Northern Ireland by putting into practice the policies that they have outlined in their Labour manifesto. These commitments include prioritising the health service, the green economy, new immigration strategies, education reforms and measures to further prevent anti-social behaviour.

However, according to the Independent this general election is “on track to be the lowest turnout for 20 years” with the percentage of voters who actually put their slips and postal votes in the ballot box standing at around 60%.

Time will tell if Sir Keir Starmer and his team are able to deliver on their manifesto promises. For now, it is all smiles and hopeful excitement for a fresh chapter, a new government and looking forward to the release of pent-up energy and funds that will now be able to roll into action. Getting all these new policies and projects off the ground will help make Great Britain and Northern Ireland stronger if it works.

Sir Keir Starmer makes his upbeat acceptance speech at Number 10 Downing Street this afternoon. On a windy, sunshine and showers day in London, after obtaining permission to form a new government from King Charles II at Buckingham Palace, the Labour leader will begin his time in office as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister. As the new cabinet is chosen, there will be celebrations in many constituencies across the country, that continue into this weekend.

(1) BBC Election Results GE24 – Live Updates, 5 July 2024 BBC Election Results GE24 – Live Updates (2) General election turnout on track to be lowest for more than 20 years, Ian Jones, Independent, 5 July 2024 General election turnout on track to be lowest for more than 20 years, Ian Jones, Independent, (3) ‘Streeting Warns of No.10 nightmare if voters stay at home’ Gergana Krasteva, Metro.co.uk newspaper, 17 June 2024 (4) ‘Labour’s landslide victory in charts’ Ella Hollowood and Jonathan Vincent, Financial Times, 5 July 2024 ‘Labour’s landslide victory in charts’ Ella Hollowood and Jonathan Vincent, Financial Times

Polling Stations in every community across the United Kingdom are open this Thursday evening, 4^th of July as the nation votes for which party will lead the country during an unusual general election.

It is six weeks since the current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the unexpected summer leadership contest, outside Number 10 Downing Street on a memorably wet May day.

Both of the major parties in Britain: the Conservatives and Labour have had their fair share of positive coverage in the press and the would-be Prime Minister’s and their teams have all made embarrassing gaffs and mistakes that included rather unprofessional betting on a July 4^th election date sweepstakes and saying dreadful things about the opposition.

To say it has been a bumpy ride for England over the last 14 years under the Conservatives is an understatement. An unexpected pandemic, energy price shocks as well as the war in Ukraine have led to very challenging times for everyone globally, especially families and individuals affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to clean up the more questionable (some would say unforgivable) behaviours seen in his party and demonstrated in multiple scandals such as Partygate. We will know tomorrow whether the general public have faith that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been able to achieve these respectable aims and whether adults living in households around the country believe that those Members of Parliament that are left in the incumbent Conservative government, are united enough to deliver their ambitious agenda. The Conservatives policies include the extremely controversial Rwanda Plan for relocating migrants overseas. On the worryingly dramatic last BBC political debate with Labour’s leader Kier Starmer the existing Prime Minister declared “at least we have a plan!” (as opposed to Labour’s less drastic illegal immigrations policies).

We have all heard many aspects of all the main political parties’ manifestos over the last few weeks. These policies have been transmitted on television debates, on radio programmes as well as features on other digital channels, social media and broadcast live events.

According to the official political polls, many residents across Great Britain and Northern Ireland are looking for a change of those in power in the United Kingdom and Labour is top of the list. The Liberal Democrats already have a lot of support from recent local elections and have a place in the polls as a viable opposition for those that don’t want to vote Conservative but can’t quite bring themselves to vote for Labour for whatever reason. Fun fact: The Liberal Democrats are the only party looking to work towards a reintegration with the European Union post Brexit. Ed Davey has run an entertaining and interesting Liberal Democrat campaign strategy that has helped to lighten the mood at times. Sometimes this jolly and caring approach has appeared a little soppy for the often-sober times we a living through. This is after all the most senior role in Westminster that involves becoming a figurehead for the UK at international conferences.

The Green party have been popular in the debating process and they have a special place as the one party that is focusing on the important work of minimising the effect of global climate change.

There are several independent parties and Nigel Farage made a surprise decision to run in May. Farage is representing the Reform party which has also had its fair share of shocking news stories during this sometimes heated and relatively stressful lead up to polling day. It is a shame that in 2024 we still have accusations around rude comments regarding someone’s race and heritage in the United Kingdom. Thankfully this doesn’t represent the British public who are by and large excellent folk with kind attitudes towards their fellow citizens.

We have millions of people with a positive spirit and many talents living on the beautiful British Isles. Our vibrant and cosmopolitan nation has much to be proud of and we can achieve great things working together.

However, we currently have an economy with limited resources in the United Kingdom and there are also several difficult and serious issues to address this year the the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will need to deal with including funding the armed services, benefits and care system and the National Health Service as well as our esteemed emergency services, police force and educational institutions.

There is no doubt that Kier Starmer and Rishi Sunak are very different people with differing views on how to solve our biggest problems and grow our economy to be able to afford more services for our citizens. Prime Minister (for the rest of today at least) Rishi Sunak, Kier Starmer and Ed Davey are all professionals that have the ability and the statesmanship to lead our country forward.

On occasions during the political campaigns running up to these elections the atmosphere has been fraught, competitive and more than one debate has bordered on aggressive, angry and full of unnecessarily loud voices.

It would be understandable that men and women of all ages living in the United Kingdom may have chosen to book the first bargain getaway abroad that pops into their inbox in order to escape all the chaos of the noisy election runup.

Political decisions in a permacrisis are difficult and on top of all the other pressures of daily living the last thing we all need is another appointment in a physical location with limited parking facilities involving paperwork and all the neighbours.

It is worth remembering when deciding whether to dash out and put your ‘X’ on the ballot paper that democracy is a special privilege that works when everyone in a society ‘makes it happen’. Our system isn’t perfect but as Churchill once said “democracy is the worst form of government except all the others.”

We have free and fair elections in the United Kingdom and the suffragette movement sacrificed greatly to enable women to vote and in the fullness of time to be treated with the equality that we enjoy today. We still have work to do in this regard. Several dozen countries around the world are not fortunate enough to freely choose who they vote for even if they purport to be ‘democratic’ We must exercise our right to vote when we can as a tribute to those who suffered in order to make that happen for future generations.

Voting and using our voice to promote and celebrate the freedoms that we currently have is the best way to protect our rights in a changing world. Our non-perfect, best it can be, democratic political process allows everyone to participate and influence the way our country works. We are grateful to those who step up, represent us all and serve our society every day. We wish them and the United Kingdom the best of luck as the results roll in tonight!

Red Arrows Fly-Past D-Day80 Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Today June 5th 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 1944.

Hundreds of local people turned out to support a special ticketed event that took place today in Portsmouth in Hampshire, England to celebrate the lives of brave military men and women who took part in the D-Day activities 80 years ago that changed the course of history.

English royals King Charles III, Queen Camilla, William The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were among the distinguished guests invited to attend by the Ministry of Defence. Hundreds of elderly veterans and senior citizens who were essential in delivering the Normandy landing plans of June 1944 and their accompanying family members were also welcomed to take their seats in the auditorium.

The VIP’s watched the ceremony on a large screen that could also be heard and partly seen by the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered along the Esplanade on Southsea Common to share in the formal commemoration of the occasion.

Everyone was excited to sing the National Anthemn accompanied by the military band. Then the military gun salute was performed aboard HMS St.Albans, a large naval military ship in the Solent. The Frigate slowly sailed past the monumental WWII War Memorial at the edge of the historic port harbour of Portsmouth.

This year’s D-Day80 ceremony remembers an important and pivotal part of World War II when tens of thousands of brave men and women organised and embarked on a trip across the Channel in many small boats, delivering a surprise invasion of the Normandy coast in order to defeat the Germans, who were defending the French coastline.

The audience enjoyed the classic wartime tune originally sung by Vera Lynn “We’ll meet again”. Local schoolchildren sang a more modern song with an appropriate message by the American band The Beach Boys entitled “God only knows what I would be without you.”

At the end of the official service everyone in Portsmouth harbour was treated to a magnificent fly past by the Red Arrows. The BAE Systems’ Hawk T1 aircraft were accompanied by a Typhoon FGR4 jet and together they painted the blue sky with stunning red, white and blue smoke trail stripes.

Two enormous Chinook helicopters also impressed onlookers with their presence adding to the event which marks the critical D-Day.

Security was tight and armed policemen stood outside the fenced off ticketed event arena. Mounted policemen and women walked around the site riding beautiful tall military horses. Male and female police officers also travelled around the event on bicycles. Community police officers smiled and chatted with the general public.

There was a respectful and positive atmosphere as people of all ages came out on a perfect summers day to show their respect and give thanks to the men and women of a special generation. The men and women involved in D-Day in 1944 gave so much to defend the country they love and ensure the freedom and democracy that we enjoy in England today.

This D-Day80 commemoration today and the services that will take place in Normandy in France and Portsmouth today and tomorrow 6^th June are essential for us all to remember all those citizens who served in WW II and all those we tragically lost. It is an opportunity to teach the next generation about our nation’s values and talk about how we can build international partnerships where possible as well as finding ways to avoid unnecessary conflict and develop a peaceful world in the future.

King Charles III addressing WWII veterans at the British Normandy Memorial in France on 6th June 2024 summarised the commemorative events on both sides of the Channel perfectly: “On the beaches of Normandy, on the seas beyond and in the skies overhead, our armed forces carried out their duty with a humbling sense of resolve and determination, qualities so characteristic of that wartime generation. Very many of them never came home, they lost their lives on the D-Day landing grounds or in the many battles that followed. It is with a most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all who served at this critical time.”   (2)

See the Red Arrows Flypast here: Red Arrows Fly-Past D-Day80 Portsmouth video by A.Howse Also see our next article with more pictures of D-Day80 here D-Day 80 Portsmouth in Pictures

D-Day 80 Portsmouth in Pictures

(1) ‘Cockpit view of the Red Arrow flypast for D-Day80’ Curtis Lancaster, BBC News, 5 June 2024 ‘Cockpit view of the Red Arrow flypast for D-Day80’ Curtis Lancaster, BBC News (2) ‘That remarkable wartime generation’ – D-Day anniversary quotes’ The Standard (London), 6 June 2024 ‘That remarkable wartime generation’ – D-Day anniversary quotes’ The Standard (London)

The Prime Minister stood in front of Number 10 Downing Street on Wednesday night in the pouring rain to announce a summer election. This was an unexpected shock to many of his political party. Rishi Sunak remained focused and determined to outline his key objectives for the general public who will be voting on July 4^th this year.

This was despite demonstrators loudly playing Labour’s 1997 election anthem ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ which is a British pop song by D:Ream that tunefully competed with Sunak’s eloquent, detailed and important speech. Rishi Sunak spoke about the Conservatives achievements so far. These included the furlough scheme during the covid pandemic, supporting Ukraine, increasing NHS spending and improving childcare and education.

However, Sunak’s summer election announcement is now dubbed jokingly ‘Things will only get wetter’ by the Conservative party’s political opponents.

One of Rishi Sunak’s important goals is to complete the law that prevented future generations from ever taking up smoking, a key healthcare mission to complete for the Conservative government, under the current health-conscious Prime Minister’s leadership.

Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill Clearly Passes Through Commons

The UK’s smokefree future is clearer after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed through the Commons with a strong majority in favour last month.

What is the Tobacco and Vapes Bill?

On Saturday 20^th April 2024 the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was approved by Members of Parliament in the House of Commons after a huge majority voted in favour of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to prevent a new generation (and future generations) of United Kingdom citizens from ever taking up smoking. (8)

Vape flavours will also be legally restricted and packaging and displays will avoid appealing to children. Vapes will not be able to be sold near sweets in shops. New rules for UK based retailers will control how vapes can be displayed for ensuring only adults can purchase this merchandise. (1)

‘On the spot’ fines will be introduced to clamp down on sales of vapes and tobacco to children under 18 years old. Enforcement officers will be able to issue £100 fines immediately if they find underage sales of tobacco and vaping products. Local authorities can already issue a maximum £2500 fine and this legislation will now apply to the new age restriction.

It will be illegal to give free samples of vapes to those under 18 years of age. (1)

Smoking itself not criminalised. Anyone who can legally buy tobacco now is not prevented from doing so in the future.

£70 million of funding has already been announced by the UK government to enable local ‘stop smoking services’ which include swapping to vaping and behavioural support to quit the habit. (1)

£5 million budget has been approved for new national campaigns to explain the legal changes, the benefits of quitting smoking and the healthcare support that is available to people wanting to change to a healthier lifestyle. (2)

Who will be affected by the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and when does it start?

The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, once approved by the House of Lords, will be introduced into law in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in June 2024 if everything proceeds as expected. This will mean children turning 15 years of age this year or younger will never legally be able to be sold tobacco. Once fully approved by Westminster anyone born after 1 January 2009 will never legally be able to buy tobacco products. (1)

The smoking bill was originally introduced to parliament on Wednesday 20^th March and was approved by the House of Commons this week, with a large majority in favour of introducing the new law. There is wide support for the new measures by both Conservatives and Labour members of parliament. (1)

The proportion of young people using disposable vapes has increased nine times in the last 2 years. The government is committed to banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes from April 2025 under separate environmental legislation. (1)

How will Tobacco and Vapes Bill work?

Andrew Opie is Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium. The British Retail Consortium is supporting retailers to implement the new age of sale legislation and regulations regarding the selling of vapes all across the nation and in a timely manner. (1)

Andrew Opie explained that “It is important that the legislation operates in the same way across the UK as this will help ensure clarity and consistency for customers.” (1)

The government proposes that (retailer’s tobacco) display statements will need to be changed and required to read “it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009”. (2)

The government has launched new educational resources for teachers to educate secondary school children about the dangers of smoking and vaping. (4)

The UK government’s ‘Swap to Stop’ scheme also includes “financial incentives for pregnant smokers to quit.” The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of vouchers of up to £400 for pregnant women quitting smoking whilst following a programme that includes behavioural support services.  (2)

Stop Smoking Services (SSS) are proving a cost-effective way of supporting smokers to quit band have shown to double a person’s chances of giving up the habit. In addition to offering specific stop smoking products and medicine, SSS are most effective when combined with behavioural support services. (2)

There is wide support for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

“The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced…All forms of tobacco are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco.” World Health Organisation (2)

Raising the age of the sale of tobacco products has strong public backing. Nothing would have a bigger impact on reducing the number of preventable deaths than ending smoking.” Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s Executive Director of Policy (1)

“Smoking causes harm across the life course. This includes stillbirth, asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 15 different types of cancer, stroke and dementia. “Chris Witty, Chief Medical Officer for England (1)

“Everyday 350 young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 start smoking regularly, risking a lifetime of addiction, disease, disability and premature death.” The Tobacco and Vapes Bill “sets a course to the extinction of smoking in the UK.” Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (1)

“Reducing the impact of passive smoking on pregnant women and children will be a key outcome too.” Dr Camilla Kingdon, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (1)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also wants to “tackle the alarming rise in youth vaping” by introducing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which includes new strict legislation regarding the sale of vapes to minors. (1)

Smokefree Future or Smoking Apartheid?

There are some voices of opposition to the law changes expected in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill this spring.

Freedom is a core part of the values of any democracy. Some people in the UK oppose the idea of the state restricting what they consider to be personal lifestyle choices. Many citizens were shocked at the loss of freedom to meet or to travel during the legal lockdowns that were introduced because of the recent health pandemic. Further strengthening smoking and vaping laws could be seen as another example of government legal restrictions that are not always appropriate or practical when enforced in practice in the community.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “A Conservative government should not be seeking to extend the nanny state. It only gives succour to those who wish to curtail freedom.” (6) Objectors including Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk Liz Truss have accused the policy of being “profoundly unconservative”. (7)

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch voted against the bill asserting that “the burden of enforcement would fall on private businesses, and that the bill undermined the principle of equality.” According to the Guardian Kemi Badenoch was concerned that legally competent adults born a day apart would be treated differently in terms of their permanent rights. (7)

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was reported in the Guardian as saying the plan was “nuts”. The BBC said Johnson “has previously criticised the plans as “barmy,” arguing the 2009 cut-off will lead to a “smoking apartheid,” with some adults allowed to carry on buying cigarettes and others not.” (6) (7)

Smokers’ rights group Forest, which is funded by the tobacco industry, said: “No-one wants children to smoke, but the idea that government should take away people’s freedom to choose long after they have grown up is absurd.” (6) The Guardian have reported that Forest have accused the government from being “ageist” as it would mean similar aged adults would have different rights when it came to smoking.

Some citizens may be concerned about the government banning anything that may possibly be abused. Many other forms of life’s more enjoyable treats are sensibly enjoyed by most adults in moderation. People may be worried that fun activities may be further restricted. Luxury and celebratory delights and delicacy’s such as fireworks, fine wine or high sugar foods could become the next target for legal banning in the future. The former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke said: “An enforcement nightmare and a slippery slope – alcohol next?” (7)

The Guardian have reported that international tobacco companies have been lobbying politicians and may attempt to slow down the process through the House of Lords. It has been suggested in the British press that tobacco manufacturers may encourage additional exemptions to be written into the Tobacco and Vapes Bill (for example cigars) or the tobacco product suppliers could propose increased legislation through more complicated licensing agreements, to try and slow down, complicate and ultimately frustrate the progression of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through to becoming law throughout the United Kingdom this year. (8)

Smokefree Future: can we lead the way in the UK in order to improve world health standards?

The final vote in the Lords was expected to take place in June of this year. It is an opportunity for the UK to take a lead in the challenge of preventing this and future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine and tobacco products and all the negative aspects that this can bring to an adult’s life and their families in the long term.

We have former smokers in the HotEnough.com team and we understand personally the challenges of breaking the cycle of nicotine cravings. We know how hard and equally how important this is to live a healthy adult lifestyle that is free of addiction and the associated financial costs of this expensive habit.

We hope that this Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves smoothly through the process to become law as soon as possible. It may not be an absolutely perfect way to stop our young people from being exposed to this harmful toxic addiction. It is the best chance that we have to stop the cycle of this dangerous activity from blighting the lives of another generation and their loved ones.

The future benefits to our society will be massive and we can show global healthcare leadership with this policy. This Tobacco and Vapes Bill combined with a comprehensive anti-smoking and vaping schools’ education programme will ensure that we have an opportunity to demonstrate how we can be, as a nation, the responsible, healthy, environmentally friendly and caring change we want to see in the world.

It has become clear today that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will not now be able to be included in the current legislation being rushed through to completion before the shutting down of Parliament. The shut down is part of the political process in the run up to the election which will know see all the candidates campaigning in their communities to be voted into the next Parliament in Westminster.

The BBC reported that Rishi Sunak had declared he was “disappointed” and supporters of the latest bill to prevent more people in the UK becoming ill and dying prematurely from smoking will all be hoping that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be reintroduced and integrated into UK law in the very near future, under the next governments leadership. (11)

(1) ‘Smokefree generation one step closer as bill introduced’ Department of Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Gov.UK official UK government website, 20 April 2024 ‘Smokefree generation one step closer as bill introduced’ Department of Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Gov.UK (2) ‘Stopping from the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Gov.UK official UK government website, 8 November 2023 ‘Stopping from the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Gov.UK (3) ‘Public support for government action on tobacco in Great Britain’ Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) website, August 2023 ‘Public support for government action on tobacco in Great Britain’ Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) website (4) Vaping – KS3 form time activities, Public Health England, 25 April 2024 Vaping – KS3 form time activities, Public Health England, (5) ‘Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: what you need to know’ Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre, DHSC Media Team, 15 April 2024 ‘Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: what you need to know’ Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre (6) ‘UK smoking ban for those born after 2009 starts journey into law’ Brian Wheeler, Political Reporter, BBC News, 20 March 2024 ‘UK smoking ban for those born after 2009 starts journey into law’ Brian Wheeler, Political Reporter, BBC News (7) ‘What is Rishi Sunak’s anti-smoking bill and will it pass?’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian, 16 April 2024 ‘What is Rishi Sunak’s anti-smoking bill and will it pass?’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian (8) ‘Chris Whitty urges MPs to ignore lobbying and pass smoking ban bill’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian, 16 April 2024 Chris Whitty urges MPs to ignore lobbying and pass smoking ban bill’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian (9) ‘Things can only get wetter: D:Ream song drowns out Sunak’s damp election announcement’ Sammy Gecsoyler, The Guardian, 22 May 2024 ‘Things can only get wetter: D:Ream song drowns out Sunak’s damp election announcement’ Sammy Gecsoyler, The Guardian (10) Rishi Sunak Announces 4 July general election’ Nadia Ragozhina, BBC News Rishi Sunak Announces 4 July general election’ Nadia Ragozhina (11) ‘Rishi Sunak disappointed smoking ban will not become law’ Chas Geiger, Politics reporter, BBC News, 24 May 2024 ‘Rishi Sunak disappointed smoking ban will not become law’ Chas Geiger, BBC News

Who smokes in 2024?

Currently 12.9% of people in the UK (or 6.4 million) smoke. Smoking is a third of its height in 1974 and has fallen by more than a third in the last decade. Raising the minimum age of sale for cigarettes and other smoking related products to 18 years of age has significantly reduced the prevalence of smoking in young people. (2)

Smoking rates in older teens remain high – over 12% of 16- to 17-year-olds smoke in England and over 30% of under 18 pregnant mother(s) smoke. (5)

Youth vaping is a global issue with 1 in 10 middle and high school students in the USA using vapes regularly. Two-fold or greater increases have been found in Australia, Italy, Germany and France.

2021 showed a recent doubling of regular vape use (at least once a week) among young people in England from 2% in 2018 to 4% in 2021. In 2020 menthol cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco were banned and outlawed in Great Britain as international evidence showed that many young people start smoking by using menthol cigarettes. (2)

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill could make UK healthier and wealthier

Those politicians wishing to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill agree that: smoking kills around 80,000 people in the UK every year and causes 1 in 4 cancer-related deaths as well as disability and ill health. Smoking is the single biggest preventable killer. (1) (5)

There is no other consumer product available to the public that kills two-thirds of its users. If new legislation is not introduced nearly half a million more people will die from smoking by 2030 (2)

Raising the age of the sale of tobacco products has strong public backing. Nothing would have a bigger impact on reducing the number of preventable deaths than ending smoking.” Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s Executive Director of Policy (1)

Smoking and Vaping: Why prevention is better than cure

There is no safe age to smoke. 4 in 5 smokers start smoking before the age of 20 years old and are then addicted (to nicotine) for the rest of their lives. (1)

Three-quarters of current smokers would never have started if they had the choice again and on average it takes around 30 attempts to succeed in quitting smoking for good. (2)

Smoking is one of the most significant and preventable drivers of disparities in health outcomes. This includes premature death caused by smoking related diseases. This bill means that future generations will be protected from the harmful and detrimental effects of living a lifestyle as a smoker. (1)

Those who are unemployed, on low incomes or living in areas of deprivation are far more likely to smoke than the general population. Smoking attributable mortality rates are 2.1 times higher in the most deprived local authorities in the United Kingdom than the least deprived.

Vapes contain nicotine which is harmful and addictive. The long-term health implications of vaping are not fully known yet. Withdrawal from nicotine can cause anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches. So, the governments acknowledges that while vaping can play a role in helping adults quit the smoking habit, children should never vape. (1)

Preventing young people from taking up vaping is better for the environment

The use of disposable vaping products (sometimes referred to as single use vapes) has increased substantially in recent years. These devices are neither rechargeable nor refillable and are discarded when it runs out of charge or e-liquid. They contain plastic, copper, rubber, and a lithium battery. Some parts, like the battery, can be widely recycled, whereas other parts, such as any rubber pieces, are not easily recyclable. (2)

Treating Smoking Related Diseases are Preventable National Health Service Costs

Treating smoking related diseases creates “huge pressure” on the National Health Service and it is estimated that smoking related illness currently costs the country £17 billion a year. This figure includes an annual £14 billion loss to productivity, through smoking related lost earnings, unemployment, and early death as well as costs to the National Health Service and social care of £3 billion. (1)

Up to 75,000 General Practitioner doctor’s appointments could be attributed to smoking each month in England. Therefore, if smoking can be reduced and extinguished more time and money can be spent on provided other health services for UK residents. (2)

Is a Smokefree Future a Global Possibility?

Some countries have moved to increase the minimum age it is legal to buy tobacco products to 21. The United States of America, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Singapore all have a ban on selling tobacco products to under 21-year-old citizens and the trend is likely that this age limits may be increased further over the coming years. (2)

Mexico has wide bans of the location of smoking in public places and Portugal is aiming to be smoke free by 2040. (7)

Malaysia introduced a bill in June 2023 that would prohibit smoking for anyone born on or after 1 January 2007.

New Zealand was the first country to propose the introduction of a legal restriction on the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 1 January 2009 but the BBC reported recently that the scheme has now been scrapped.  (2) (6)

See our next article for more details of how the UK could lead the way by introducing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new Tobacco and Vapes Bill which has been approved this week in the House of Commons and is due to become law after it has been approved by the House of Lords in June 2024.

  (1) ‘Smokefree generation one step closer as bill introduced’ Department of Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Gov.UK official UK government website, 20 April 2024 ‘Smokefree generation one step closer as bill introduced’ Department of Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins (2) ‘Stopping from the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Gov.UK official UK government website, 8 November 2023 ‘Stopping from the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, Gov.UK (3) ‘Public support for government action on tobacco in Great Britain’ Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) website, August 2023 (3) ‘Public support for government action on tobacco in Great Britain’ Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) website (4) Vaping – KS3 form time activities, Public Health England, 25 April 2024 Vaping – KS3 form time activities, Public Health England (5) ‘Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: what you need to know’ Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre, DHSC Media Team, 15 April 2024 ‘Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: what you need to know’ Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre (6) ‘UK smoking ban for those born after 2009 starts journey into law’ Brian Wheeler, Political Reporter, BBC News, 20 March 2024 ‘UK smoking ban for those born after 2009 starts journey into law’ Brian Wheeler, Political Reporter, BBC News (7) ‘What is Rishi Sunak’s anti-smoking bill and will it pass?’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian, 16 April 2024 ‘What is Rishi Sunak’s anti-smoking bill and will it pass?’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian (8) ‘Chris Whitty urges MPs to ignore lobbying and pass smoking ban bill’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, 16 April 2024 ‘Chris Whitty urges MPs to ignore lobbying and pass smoking ban bill’ Andrew Gregory and Ben Quinn, The Guardian