UNITED KINGDOM – In a powerful new campaign released today, former England goalkeeper David James, who has successfully quit smoking, joins other ex-smokers to share their experiences and highlight the impact of parental smoking on influencing their own habits.
The campaign, launched by the UK National Health Service (NHS), aims to encourage the 5.3 million smokers in England to embark on a quit attempt this January, not only for personal health but also to prevent the influence of smoking on young people.
Research underscores the stark reality that teenagers are over three times more likely to smoke if their parents, caregivers, or friends do.
The poignant campaign film features David James discussing how familial and peer smoking during his youth led him to adopt the habit, adversely affecting his performance on the football stage.
The UK is on track to become the first country to create a smoke-free generation by phasing out tobacco sales. A new law is set to prevent the legal sale of tobacco in England to individuals who turned 14 in 2023 or are younger.
A YouGov survey commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health reveals that 76% of people in England support the concept of creating a smoke-free generation, with only 9% opposing it.
Former England goalkeeper David James emphasizes the need for such initiatives, sharing his personal struggle with smoking: “Looking back, it had a huge impact on my health and performance at the time, I wish I never started.”
The film also features other ex-smokers discussing the influence of parental smoking on their choices.
Experts, including Professor Nick Hopkinson of Imperial College London and TV doctor Dr. Sarah Jarvis, contribute insights into the broader impact of generational smoking.
England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, stresses the importance of preventing smoking addiction and aiding those already addicted.
Public Health Minister Andrea Leadsom highlights the urgent need to address smoking, the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, responsible for 64,000 deaths annually in England alone.
Smoking, with its profound impact on health and the economy, costs the UK £17 billion each year. The campaign underscores the economic benefits of reducing smoking prevalence, alleviating pressure on the NHS, and fostering a more productive economy.
