A new study by Cancer Research UK and University College London (UCL) has revealed striking figures about smoking habits across the UK, showing that an estimated 28.6 billion cigarettes are
smoked each year—equivalent to 78 million every day.
The research, based on data from the Smoking Toolkit Study (2022–2024), found that adults who smoke consume an average of 10.4 cigarettes per day. Notably, 5.5% of smokers are smoking over 20 cigarettes a day.
Regional smoking rates
The study highlights stark regional differences in smoking prevalence:
- South West England has the highest smoking rate, with 15% of adults identifying as smokers.
- Scotland and Yorkshire report the lowest rates, at 13.3%.
- Across the UK, the national average stands at 13.9%.
Despite the South West having the highest proportion of smokers, cigarette consumption is heavier in northern regions. Smokers in the North East smoke an average of 598 cigarettes per year, the highest regional average, while those in London smoke the least, averaging 423 cigarettes per year.
Inequality in smoking habits
The data also reveal a socioeconomic divide:
- People from more deprived backgrounds smoke an average of 11 cigarettes per day.
- Those in more affluent areas smoke fewer—about 9.4 cigarettes daily.
Calls for urgent action
In response to these findings, health charities are urging the government to fast-track the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently moving through Parliament. The proposed legislation aims to create a "smoke-free generation" by banning the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. This would effectively raise the legal smoking age year by year.
Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the need for urgent action:
“While great strides have been made to bring down smoking rates, we can't afford to be complacent. Every week, around 550 million cigarettes are still smoked in Britain—that’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill presents a historic opportunity to eliminate the harm caused by smoking. But delays in Parliament are putting lives at risk. This toxic product has no place in our future. We urge all MPs and peers to support a smoke-free UK and prioritize the bill’s progress.” Photo by Susanne Nilsson, Wikimedia commons.
