The UK government has announced a new initiative called the “swap to stop” scheme, which aims to offer vaping starter kits to almost one in five of all smokers in England, encouraging them to quit smoking. The announcement comes amid increasing alarm about the rise in young people vaping. Under the new scheme, pregnant women will also be offered financial incentives to quit smoking, and mandatory advice on quitting smoking will be placed in cigarette packs.
The Swap to Stop Scheme
The “swap to stop” scheme is part of the government’s “smoke free” drive, which aims to reduce smoking rates in England. The scheme will offer vape starter kits to almost one in five of all smokers in England. This translates to approximately one million smokers who will receive help to quit smoking. The scheme is the first of its kind in the world and is expected to cost £45m over the next two years.
Incentives for Pregnant Women
The government is offering financial incentives of up to £400 to pregnant women to help them quit smoking. Officials hope that this will help to reduce the rate of smoking among pregnant women in England, which is currently at 9%. The vouchers will be available throughout the pregnancy, and if the scheme is completed, the total value of the vouchers could reach £400.
The Government’s Concerns
The UK government is aware of the rise in youth vaping and is concerned about businesses that are “getting children hooked on nicotine.” The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is trying to balance finding ways to cut underage vaping while at the same time ensuring vapes are available to help adult smokers to quit.
The Benefits of Vaping
Vapes increase smokers’ chances of successfully quitting smoking. According to Deborah Arnott, the chief executive of Ash, vouchers for pregnant smokers and the “swap to stop” scheme are welcome steps in the right direction, but they are not enough. She believes that more funding is needed to reinstate cuts of more than 90% to mass media campaigns.
Smoking in England
According to statistics, up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking. Cigarettes are the only product on sale that will kill you if used correctly. The UK government has an ambitious plan of making England smoke-free by 2030, which equates to getting smoking rates to less than 5%. However, campaigners believe that this target will be missed without further action.
The Road Ahead
The new “swap to stop” scheme and financial incentives for pregnant women are positive steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done to reduce smoking rates in England. The UK government needs to implement tougher regulations to raise the age of sale and reduce the appeal of smoking as well as vaping.
Conclusion
The “swap to stop” scheme and incentives for pregnant women are part of the government’s “smoke free” drive, which aims to reduce smoking rates in England. The scheme will offer vape starter kits to almost one in five of all smokers in England, which is the first of its kind in the world. However, campaigners believe that more needs to be done to achieve the government’s goal of making England smoke-free by 2030.
FAQs
What is the “swap to stop” scheme?
The “swap to stop” scheme is part of the UK government’s “smoke free” drive, which aims to reduce smoking rates in England. The scheme will offer vape starter kits to almost one in five of all smokers in England.Who will receive the vape starter kits?
Approximately one million smokers in England will receive help to quit smoking through the “swap to stop” scheme.What financial incentives are being offered to pregnant women to quit smoking?
Pregnant women will be offered financial incentives of up to £400 to help them quit smoking. The vouchers will be available throughout the pregnancy, and if the scheme is completed, the total value of the vouchers could reach £400.Why is the government concerned about youth vaping?
The UK government is concerned about businesses that are “getting children hooked on nicotine.” The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is trying to balance finding ways to cut underage vaping while at the same time ensuring vapes are available to help adult smokers to quit.What is the UK government’s goal for smoking rates in England?
The UK government aims to make England smoke-free by 2030, which equates to getting smoking rates to less than 5%.