The MP, who is a practising GP and a member of the House of Commons Health Select Committee, said, “At present more than 80% of smokers take up the habit as teenagers: By raising the minimum age to 18 we will prevent thousands of young people from taking up smoking in the first place and developing a damaging life-long habit. I am pleased that the Government is now considering the idea and I sincerely hope that it pushes ahead with a change in the law.”

The MP pointed out that in Guernsey, where the minimum age was raised to 18 in 1997, almost 50% fewer teenagers smoke compared with the rest of the UK. 

He went on to say however, “It is essential that if we do change the law that we back it up with a rigorous programme of measures to prevent the sale of tobacco to under 18s. High profile enforcement campaigns together with community programmes to encourage compliance by retailers are vital if we are to limit underage access to tobacco. A change in the law is not enough on its own.”

Smoking facts

According to the Office of National Statistics

    One-fifth of 15-year-olds smoke

    One-quarter of 16 to 19-year-olds smoke

    About 450 children start smoking every day

    More than 80% of smokers take up the habit as teenagers

    About 12m adults smoke cigarettes

    About 70% of smokers would like to quit

In 2004/05 the Trading Standards Service prosecuted 117 retailers for selling cigarettes to children under 16.