Why are more people turning to cigarettes? Data suggests the smoking decline has almost stopped

Recent data suggests that there has been an increase
in the number of young people turning to cigarettes. Here's everything
we know about the story so far.

Researchers from University College London are calling on the
government to up their game when it comes to anti-smoking efforts.
This is because recent data suggests that the decline in smokers seen
in England over the past few years has slowed, with some believing
this is due to younger age groups taking up the habit.

A few different contributing factors to the problem have been
suggested including loneliness and poor mental health, which were
exacerbated by the pandemic. There are also concerns that some of the
negative rhetoric around vaping has turned people away from
e-cigarettes, and onto tobacco products.

Previously the government had set a target for England to be
smoke-free by twenty thirty, with additional funding being provided to
to stop smoking services. Wales also hopes to be smoke free by twenty
thirty, with Scotland hoping to follow suit by twenty thirty four.