COUNCIL leaders and directors of Public Health from every local authority in the South West have joined forces to call for the immediate passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, warning that any delay could cost lives.

Representing more than five million residents, the coalition has sent a joint letter to the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP, urging the government to resist amendments that could weaken the legislation and ensure it receives Royal Assent before the parliamentary session ends.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the region, claiming more than 6,500 lives each year – equivalent to 17 deaths every day.

Despite progress in reducing prevalence, more than 520,000 adults in the South West still smoke, with rates highest in the most deprived communities.

Benji Hadwell, South West Smokefree lead, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end the harms of tobacco for good. We cannot view this Bill solely as a long-term measure for 2027; its immediate passage is a vital signal that the era of commercial tobacco is ending.

“The leaders responsible for the well-being of the South West are united. We see the heartbreak of families losing loved ones and the heavy burden placed on our NHS.

“We are calling on Parliament to pass this Bill swiftly and decisively, and to ensure that the key measures are not diluted by damaging amendments.”

The letter highlights strong public support for the ‘Smokefree Generation’ policy, which would prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever legally buying tobacco.

Polling shows seven in ten adults in the South West back the policy, with over nine in ten supporting bans on smoking in children’s play areas and school grounds.

Sam Crowe – director of Public Health & Prevention at Dorset Council

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health & Prevention at Dorset Council, added: “Reducing smoking and preventing young people from starting is vital for improving long term health. Strong measures that limit access to nicotine products help protect future generations.

“We are urging the government and our local MPs to prioritise the health of our children over the interests of the tobacco industry.”

Cabinet member for health and housing Cllr Gill Taylor said: “Protecting children from the harms of smoking and vaping is a priority. Immediate steps are required to support healthier, smoke free lives for our communities.”

The coalition includes leaders and health directors from Bath & North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Plymouth, Somerset and Wiltshire, all united in urging Parliament to “resist compromise” and pass the Bill without delay.