Over a Million Quit Smoking in Great Britain as Landmark Tobacco Bill Nears Final Approval
New data released on National No Smoking Day (March 11, 2026) reveals that over a million people in Great Britain quit smoking in 2025. This progress coincides with the nearing passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, poised to introduce a smoke-free generation by phasing out tobacco sales to those born on or after January 1, 2009.
Quitting Rates and Public Desire to Stop
Analysis from University College London’s Smoking Toolkit Study indicates that 35% of smokers in Great Britain attempted to quit in the past year, with a success rate of 29% among those who tried – equating to more than a million individuals successfully quitting. Further bolstering this trend, YouGov polling conducted for Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) demonstrates strong public desire to quit, with 53% of smokers expressing a desire to stop, including 22% who “really wish to stop.”
Landmark Legislation and the Path Forward
The Tobacco & Vapes Bill has completed its final stage in the House of Lords and is on track to grow law by the end of April. The legislation aims to prevent future generations from starting to smoke by making it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
However, with over five million smokers still in the UK, health charities are advocating for comprehensive support alongside the new law. They are urging the government to implement a national quit campaign, adequately fund stop smoking services, and ensure access to affordable or free cessation aids like nicotine replacement therapies and medications.
Expert Perspectives on the Impact of Legislation and Support
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of ASH, emphasized the ripple effect of strong public health policies. She noted that when smoke-free laws banning smoking in public places were introduced in 2007, nearly one in five people who attempted to quit cited the new law as a motivating factor. “Now, we have the chance to do that again, inspiring the 5.3m people still smoking to join the smoke-free generation and take a step towards ending the harm caused by tobacco,” Cheeseman stated.
Ian Walker, executive director of policy and information at Cancer Research UK, added, “Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in the UK and stopping completely is the best thing you can do for your health. As the Tobacco & Vapes Bill progresses through parliament, a future free from the harms of tobacco is closer than ever.”
The Impact of Every Cigarette
Research from University College London (UCL) highlights the significant health impact of smoking, finding that each cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes. Every Minute Counts, the theme of No Smoking Day 2025, underscores the importance of quitting to reclaim lost time.
National No Smoking Day was inaugurated on Ash Wednesday 1984, and has been celebrated annually to encourage smokers to abandon nicotine addiction. National No Smoking Day is an annual day of awareness that always takes place on the second Wednesday of March.