Professor Matthew Ashton, Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, has shared his thoughts on the proposed UK smoking ban and the new six-year Tobacco Control Strategy for Liverpool following the #KingsSpeech. This week marked a significant move in Liverpool’s journey towards being smoke-free as the Liverpool Tobacco Control Alliance joined together to launch the city’s new Tobacco Control Strategy, which aims to reduce the proportion of smokers in the city from just over 17 percent to 5 percent by 2030.
The strategy was approved by the Council’s Cabinet in June and details Liverpool’s approach for the upcoming six years. The plan is ambitious and seeks to change lives, improve health and create a smoke-free future for the city’s young people. The kick-off for the morning saw a welcome from Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture, who thanked the Public Health team and the various city partners in attendance.
Professor Ashton spoke with confidence about the future, indicating that the road ahead would be tough and that they are going to face many challenges, but he is sure they have the collective dedication, expertise, and will to make a real difference. He added that the move comes at a significant time as the King’s Speech outlines plans to legislate the ban of cigarette sales to anyone born from 1 January 2009.
Liverpool’s Tobacco Control Strategy aims to support this initiative and reinforces the national movement towards producing a smoke-free future. Professor Ashton applauded the movement, indicating that Liverpool is ready to help deliver this ambition. Together, they can deliver positive results and, ultimately, make smoking in Liverpool history
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