The sales of cigarettes to teenagers could be banned in Britain by 2030 after recommendations by an All Party Parliamentary Group.
After earlier warnings by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty that the “tobacco epidemic” could likely kill more people this year than COVID-19, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Smoking and Health has urged the UK government to commit to the actions needed to ensure the country is smoke-free by the end of the decade.
This includes raising the legal age of cigarette purchase from 18 to 21.
Under the proposals, tobacco companies would be subject to a “polluter pays” law amendment to prevent children and young people from taking up the habit, and to help smokers quit.
While the UK government has committed to achieving a smoke-free society by 2030 – which would mean that fewer than 5% of the adult population smokes – the cross-party group of MPs and peers said it must now commit to stronger actions that are needed to secure its vision.
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A smoke-free country would mean that fewer than 5% of the adult population smokes / Credit: Flickr
Bob Blackman – Chairman of the APPG – said: “Our report sets out measures which will put us on track to achieve the government’s ambition to end smoking by 2030, but they can’t be delivered without funding.
“Tobacco manufacturers make extreme profits selling highly addictive, lethal products, while government coffers are bare because of COVID-19.
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“The manufacturers have the money, they should be made to pay to end the epidemic.”
As well as raising the legal cigarette purchase age, the APPG has also called for targeted investment in the regions and communities where smoking does the most damage to provide extra support that helps smokers quit.
The group said this would include people who are in routine and manual jobs, unemployed, living in social housing, or who have a mental health condition or are pregnant.
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More than three quarters (76%) of the public support the smoke-free 2030 ambition / Credit: Flickr
The APPG’s report suggests widespread public support for such recommendations, which have been backed by health charities and medical groups – with more than three quarters (76%) of the public backing the smoke-free 2030 ambition.
Some 77% of respondents also support the polluter pays levy, while 63% endorsing the increased age of cigarette sales from 18 to 21.
Just days after it was revealed that Oxfordshire would be the first county in the UK to prohibit smoking at outdoor hospitality as part of a major strategy to make the county smoke-free by 2025, Manchester was joined by four other fellow Northern councils – North Tyneside, Durham, Newcastle and Northumberland – by including rules in their licensing agreements.
You can find more information about Smoke-Free 2030 here.
UK News
2027 Manchester Marathon sells out in record time after biggest event ever
Danny Jones
The 2027 adidas Manchester Marathon has already sold out in record time after the biggest event in the race’s history.
Incredible stuff.
Yes, after more than 42,000 runners took on this year’s 26.2-mile challenge – the highest number to date – public places for next year’s Manchester Marathon have gone in the blink of an eye.
To be specific, they were snapped up in just 10 days: even faster than the last time around, with 2026 having also broken the previous fastest (or PB, if you will) time before that.
Posting on social media, the organisers wrote: “We’re blown away by the response as a record-breaking number of public places were secured during our launch window, and we’re now officially at capacity.
“Thank you for the amazing support. We can’t wait to help you turn your 26.2 dreams into reality.”
They also went on to remind people that even if they missed out, potential participants can still secure a place through their official charity partners.
Manchester Marathon maintains annual partnerships with the likes of Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Mind, and The Christie Charity.
Teaming up with numerous non-profit organisations over the decades after it first began way back in 1908, before enjoying multiple stints during the 1980s and late 90s into the noughties, huge sums have been raised over the years.
It’s never anything less than a heartwarming and inspiring day.
The modern MCR Marathon, as we know it, returned in its present format nearly a decade and a half ago, beginning its current collaboration with sportswear giants adidas, therefore helping raise the profile even further, with the 2026 fundraising tally also reaching a record-breaking £5.2 million this past April.
At the moment, the Manchester Marathon maintains annual partnerships with the likes of Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Mind, and The Christie Charity.
Once again, these organisations, along with the likes of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and many more, will continue to offer charity places for the 2027 Manchester Marathon, provided you can hit the fundraising total.
We don’t know about you, but we’re loving this city and the surrounding boroughs being well and truly in their running era, and we also urge all of you who make up part of the local culture to immerse yourself in all aspects – especially when it comes to the post-race season party…
DJs, karaoke, quizzing, three full rooms, an entire beer garden to themselves, and MUCH more. 👀
Manchester City ‘strongly condemn’ racist abuse towards first-team players at Everton
Danny Jones
Manchester City Football Club have released a statement following yet more troubling racist abuse in the Premier League this May bank holiday.
Pep Guardiola’s side faced Everton in a fixture that ended in a 3-3 draw, which could prove pivotal in their pursuit of leaders Arsenal.
Sadly, however, one of the main stories to be taken from the game once again revolves around abuse and discrimination.
Match officials were quickly made aware of racial remarks directed at winger Antoine Semenyo on the day, and, unfortunately, defender Marc Guehi has also been the subject of hateful messaging online in the aftermath of the result.
Sharing a short, but simple and emphatic statement, the club wrote: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo at yesterday’s match.
“We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible.
“We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guéhi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night.”
They go on to add that they will “continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”
Everton themselves have since confirmed that local authorities swiftly identified at least one individual alleged to be responsible for the unacceptable behaviour.
As mentioned in their own post, the culprit is said to have been a 71-year-old man who was quickly flagged by fans and stewards inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While this may be the first incident reported at the Toffees’ new home ground, regrettably, it’s just the latest in a long line of similar cases raised not just in English football but the top flight, specifically.
It goes without saying that we’re sorry to hear that stuff like this is still happening, and we send our strength to all those who continue to be affected by this despicable treatment.
As ever, ‘the beautiful game’ is for everyone and racism has no place in society, let alone football – kick it out once and for all. In other news surrounding Man City, there’s also been some controversy surrounding their upcoming FA Youth Cup final.
The Manc -
9th June 2021 
