Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are proposing to reduce the overall number of cigarettes smoked in England.

The Government continues to provide leadership and guidance on the most effective interventions, ensuring that the new legislation is implemented well and that organisations with national responsibilities are joined up and effective in achieving these ambitions. We will aim to provide access to training for all health professionals on how to help patients quit, promote links to stop smoking services across the health and care system and strive to achieve a smokefree National Health Service.

We will support local councils to identify local solutions, particularly where prevalence remains high so they can help people to quit. The Government will maintain high duty rates for tobacco products to make tobacco less affordable and will ensure that sanctions in current legislation are effective and fit for purpose. Our end goal is a smoke-free generation.