Everyone has a role to play in reducing the harms caused to our society by smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK killing more than 200 people each day in England alone. This totals more than suicide, diabetes, alcohol and drug related deaths, road traffic and all other accidents put together.
Half of all smokers will die prematurely from their addiction and on average, die 10 years younger than non-smokers. (Source: ASH Factsheet: “Fact at a glance – key smoking statistics” September 2018)