RCS England responds to the government's announcement on the plan to introduce a 'historic' new law to stop children who turn 14 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes in England.

The proposed new legislation will make it an offence for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 to be sold tobacco products – effectively raising the smoking age by a year each year until it applies to the whole population.  The government states that this 'has the potential to phase out smoking in young people almost completely as early as 2040.'

Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said:

“Smoking is a major cause of cancer and many other conditions that require surgery, as well as affecting recovery after an operation. By reducing the number of people who smoke, these measures will save lives and reduce the need for surgery.”

Read the full government announcement here