In 2024/25, hospital admissions included 515 lawnmower injuries, 2,421 incidents involving non‑powered hand tools, and 5,784 injuries from powered hand tools and household machinery.
In 2024/25 there were 21,234 admissions in England caused by contact with animals or plants, reflecting a 23% increase over the past decade.
RoSPA has launched a garden safety checklist to help prevent injuries
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging households to carry out basic garden safety checks ahead of the bank holiday weekend, as people prepare to spend more time outdoors.
The warning comes amid recurring injuries linked to falls, garden tools, barbecues and unsecured ponds during spring and summer peaks across the UK.
RoSPA is advising people to inspect gardens before the weekend, focusing on trip hazards, safe use of equipment, and proper supervision of children around ponds, barbecues and firepits. The safety charity says many serious accidents are preventable with simple precautions.
Each year, emergency departments see a rise in avoidable injuries during periods of good weather, with uneven paths, ladders, barbecues and garden tools among the most common causes. Children are particularly at risk around ponds, paddling pools and play equipment left unchecked between seasons.
Ahead of the long weekend, RoSPA has published an updated garden safety checklist, encouraging households to:
buy garden products from reputable retailers,
remove debris and other trip hazards
store tools and equipment securely,
position ladders correctly
supervise children at all times near water
The guidance also reminds families to fence or cover water features and to securely store hazardous substances out of children’s reach.
Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Gardens should be places for relaxation, but they can quickly become dangerous if basic safety checks are overlooked.
“Warmer weather often creates a false sense of security. We see the same patterns every year: falls from ladders, burns from barbecues, and children accessing water or tools unsupervised.
“These incidents are not inevitable, and a few simple steps before the weekend can make a real difference in preventing serious injuries and keeping families safe.
“It’s also important to resist the temptation to buy a ‘bargain’ online , as items purchased from overseas suppliers may not meet UK safety standards, particularly for garden tools, equipment and chargers.”
For more information, visit the newly launched RoSPA Garden Safety webpage here: RoSPA- Garden safety
The publication of the National Garden Scheme’s sixth Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health (cited as one of seven horticultural media musts by Pro Landscaper in 2025) heralds the start of the charity’s Gardens and Health Week (2-10 May) – celebrating all that is good about gardens and green spaces.
Commenting, National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton says:“This is a Little Yellow Book with a big message. Through the tapestry of stories within its pages the power and impact of gardens for health and healing is clear.
“As individuals we need to grab this message and invest in building green time into our daily lives and routines. As a society we can’t afford not to.”
The digital publication The Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Healthbrings to life the National Garden Scheme’s Gardens and Health programme* which not only funds hundreds of people and projects – from nurses and community gardens to the creation of gardens at Maggie’s and Horatio’s Garden – but also supports thousands through the simple act of opening gardens to the public.
“This year, our theme is ‘The Great Outdoors,’ and the book is packed with brilliant stories, hints and tips all focusing on how gardens and time spent outdoors can affect our health for the good. The publication, which includes personal and practical stories, is as beautiful as it is vital,” adds Richard Claxton.
Through many personal stories and expert opinion from contributors including Dr Susan Taheri, Dame Laura Lee, Tom Hoblyn, Arit Anderson, The Beardy Gardener, a host of medical professionals, and garden owners, plus key nursing charities, the book explores the benefit of gardens and gardening for our own, and the planets, health.
Commenting on contributing to this year’s book Leigh Johnstone, aka The Beardy Gardener, said: “I love this publication and am thrilled to be involved.”
You can read his story about how the joy of creating a garden changed his life on page 48.
Writing in this year’s publication on the importance of rewilding the hearts of the young, Andrew Jackson adds: “Every year, the National Garden Scheme opens thousands of private gardens … not just to show off borders and blooms, but to tell stories.”
From the elemental chemistry that connects us to the soil to the social connections formed in gardens, the stories are testament to the enduring goodness of time spent outdoors.
Thousands rally in a single week to support 330+ environmental charities, with £5m in match funding doubling public donations
Creators, celebrities and national media unite to bring environmental issues to the forefront of UK culture
Big Give’s Earth Raise 2026 campaign, formerly known as the Green Match Fund, has successfully concluded, raising over £10.9M in just one week, marking a major milestone for environmental fundraising in the UK and reinforcing its position as the largest collective environmental fundraising campaign of its kind.
Running from 22 to 29 April, the campaign successfully mobilised tens of thousands of donations across the UK, with every public contribution doubled through £5 million in match funding provided by a coalition of leading philanthropic partners. This included a £1 million contribution from Postcode Green Trust, supported by Postcode Lottery players, alongside The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Reed Foundation and other generous funders.
Now in its strongest year yet, Earth Raise continues to grow at pace, both in scale and cultural impact, bringing together over 330 environmental charities across five urgent environmental themes, including nature, water, climate, wildlife and people.
Charities supported include household names such as The Wildlife Trusts, Surfers Against Sewage, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rewilding Britain, alongside a diverse network of smaller, grassroots organisations driving change in communities across the UK and beyond.
At a time when environmental organisations face increasing pressure and funding challenges, Earth Raise demonstrates the continued power of collective action, unlocking vital support for projects ranging from habitat restoration and species protection to climate action and community resilience.
A defining feature of this year’s campaign was its cultural reach and creative ambition. Through the “Pass the Mic: Lend Your Voice to Nature” initiative, more than 100 pieces of original content were created and shared across the week by leading creators, influencers and public figures.
Contributors included Bear Grylls, Lily James, Deborah Meaden, Sabrina Elba, Tristan Phipps, Tasha Ghouri, Naomi Wilkinson and many more, collectively helping to engage new, younger and more diverse audiences with environmental causes.
This cultural momentum was further amplified through a landmark partnership with Studio BlueGreen, which saw the release of “True Doves”, a new nature-inspired track by Jordan Stephens (one half of Rizzle Kicks), bringing environmental storytelling into music and popular culture.
Earth Raise 2026 also achieved unprecedented national visibility, with a coordinated out-of-home campaign spanning the UK, made possible through the support of Bauer Media, JCDecaux, I-Media and Global.
High-profile voices, including Ruby Wax, Julia Bradbury, Peter Lord and Steve Cram, also supported the campaign through PR and media engagement – further elevating environmental issues across mainstream platforms.
Since its inception in 2021, Earth Raise has now raised over £33M for environmental causes, supporting hundreds of charities and building a growing movement of donors committed to protecting and restoring the planet.
James Reed, Chairman of Big Give, said: “Earth Raise has become a defining moment for environmental giving in the UK.
“What we’re seeing now is a movement – tens of thousands of people coming together to take practical action for the planet, and doing so in a way that doubles their impact.
“This is only possible thanks to our generous Champions, whose match funding transforms individual donations into something far more powerful.”
Big Give Ambassador, Megan McCubbin, said: “People care deeply about nature, but they don’t always know how to help.
“Earth Raise makes that connection simple, and this year we’ve seen just how powerful that can be. I’m incredibly proud to support a campaign that’s helping so many people take meaningful action for the planet.”
Clare Gough, Director, Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “The Garfield Weston Foundation is proud to support such a varied range of environmental charities through Earth Raise, from well-known names to grassroots organisations, every one of them delivering real impact in their local areas.
“We’re delighted to encourage community giving, helping the public see their donation go further to protect nature and wildlife across the UK.”
The success of Earth Raise 2026 reflects growing public concern for environmental issues, as well as increasing appetite for accessible, high-impact ways to give. Early indicators show strong engagement from new donors, alongside increased visibility and digital confidence among participating charities.”
Big Give will continue to build on this momentum as it develops future campaigns and prepares for the next evolution of Earth Raise 2027.
To learn more about the campaign and the charities supported, visit:
The Indian Council of Scotland/United Kingdom stands in full support with the Jewish community especially with the recent terrorist attack on 2 Jewish men at Golders green in London.
Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, which is the leading organisation representing the 2 million Indian origin people living in the UK, said: “No matter what one’s faith is there must be mutual respect for everyone’s religious beliefs.
“We are against any form of Anti Semitism, Anti Christianity, Anti Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism or Islamophobia.
We must all unite as one to stamp out this hatred against the Jewish community and we must support each other”
Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, has also announced a special interfaith prayer vigil in honour of the victims/peace and in solidarity with the Jewish community.
Condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, Mr. Lal said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the horrific attack in Golders Green. Our thoughts and prayers are for a speedy recovery for the victims and are with the entire Jewish community.
“We stand with you, united against hatred and violence. No one should live in fear. Everyone must follow and respect the rule of Law.”
The upcoming vigil, which will bring together members of Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and wider interfaith communities, aims to send a clear message of unity and resilience in the face of division and hate.
“This is not just an attack on a single community — it is an attack on all of us who believe in tolerance, peace, and religious freedom,” Mr. Lal added.
“Our vigil/prayers will honour the victims, and reaffirm our shared commitment to harmony, respect, and solidarity across faiths and to stamp out antisemitism.”
Mr. Lal, a prominent leader of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom and a long-standing advocate for interfaith unity, has called on community members and leaders across the UK to stand together in condemning acts of hate and reaffirming the nation’s core values of inclusion and mutual respect.
He is also calling for a continued robust action from the authorities/communities to protect all places of worship and especially Synagogues.
Hibernian supporters are invited to submit tributes to friends and family who have sadly passed away ahead of our final home game of the season against Motherwell on Saturday 16 May at Easter Road.
An annual tradition, messages and photographs from supporters will be displayed on the stadium screens before kick-off, allowing fans to remember fellow Hibees who are no longer with us and have passed away in the last year.
Tributes should include the person’s name, a message of no more than 150 letters (including spaces), and one photograph. To be included, please complete the form below by midday on Wednesday 6 May.
Live Music Now Scotland will join this year’s Festival of Europe Scotland with a special performance at National Galleries Scotland: National, presented in partnership with Live Music Now Vienna.
Taking place on 7 May 2026 (18:00–18:30), the concert features Duo Winter–Djurdjevic — flautist Anna Winter and guitarist Mihajlo Djurdjević — in a programme celebrating European composers of the 18th and 19th centuries.
This event forms part of an ongoing international exchange between Live Music Now organisations, creating opportunities for emerging musicians to share their work across borders and connect with new audiences through live performance. It also builds on Live Music Now Scotland’s continuing partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland, which this year is celebrating 85 years of musical performances in the galleries.
Rooted in the vision of founder Yehudi Menuhin, Live Music Now supports musicians at the start of their careers while bringing high-quality live music into communities and settings where it can have real impact.
Jude Anderson, Chief Executive, Live Music Now Scotland, said: “At this concert we will be treated to some brilliantly talented musicians in a programme celebrating European artists; it is a real pleasure to be presenting in partnership with the Festival of Europe.
“Artists hold such an important role in our society, exploring new ways of thinking while providing moments for joy, peace and togetherness.’
Set within the informal surroundings of the National gallery, the performance invites audiences to experience live music in a relaxed and welcoming way — offering a moment to pause, listen, and connect through a shared cultural experience.
This event is supported by the NGS Foundation and the Festival of Europe (Scotland). Elaine Ballantyne, the festival’s Trustee and Director, said: ‘Scotland has a rich heritage of European connections and the Festival of Europe (Scotland) is delighted to support Live Music Now and the National Galleries of Scotland in furthering new European opportunities for young musicians.
“We very much look forward to the Duo Winter–Djurdjevic concert on the opening of our 2026 Festival programme on 7 May.”
Event details Duo Winter–Djurdjevic will perform a varied programme of chamber music by European composers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Date: 7 May 2026 Time: 18:00–18:30 Location: National Galleries Scotland: National, The Mound, Edinburgh Admission: Free – booking required via the National Galleries of Scotland
To celebrate the arrival of The Devil Wears Prada 2, Vue Edinburgh is hosting a special ‘Runway Ready’ screening of the hotly anticipated sequel at 6.30pm tomorrow (Saturday (2 May).
For fashionistas who think they have what it takes to meet Miranda Priestly’s sky-high fashion standards, Vue welcomes customers to attend the screening clad in their most fabulous attire.
Fans will also have the opportunity to pick up a limited-edition copy of Runway Magazine. To claim a copy of the magazine, customers can present a copy of their booking confirmation email to a member of staff.
A total of 6,000 copies of the magazine are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “In the making for 20 years, we knew we had to do something extra special for the arrival of this film.
“We hope our Runway Ready screenings offer fans the chance to channel their inner Mirandas, Andys, Emilys and Nigels as they reunite with these iconic characters on the big screen. Whether it’s high fashion or casual chic, we encourage everyone to dress in whatever way makes them feel their best.”
To complete the experience, limited-edition The Devil Wears Prada 2 collectable cups (£13.99 without drink) and popcorn tins (£7.99 without popcorn) will also be available while stocks last.
To book The Devil Wears Prada 2, visit www.myvue.com. Runway Ready screenings will clearly be marked at 6.30pm on Saturday 2 May when booking.
The most historic changes to private renting in England now give 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences
11 million private tenants in England are now protected by the biggest increase to renters’ rights in over 40 years
No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions as the Renters’ Rights Act stamps out the practice for good, as part of a huge package of new protections starting today (1 May 2026)
New rights with tougher fines now in force will help shield renters from financial exploitation, homelessness, discrimination and more
The most historic changes to private renting in England are now in action, giving 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences.
This huge new package in force from today (1 May 2026) includes the highly anticipated ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – ending the practice of evicting tenants without justification which will give renters greater security and help prevent homelessness.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.
“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.
“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”
Other changes will protect renters’ pockets by limiting rent increases to once a year and upfront rent demands to just one month’s payment. Bidding wars are now banned, so no one has to battle it out with high offers to secure a place and tenants can challenge unreasonable rent hikes.
Renters now have the flexibility to end any tenancy with no more than two months’ notice, as fixed-term agreements become invalid from today.
It is now also illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants for being on benefits or having children and pet requests must be reasonably considered.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.
“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”
These new laws come with heftier penalties of up to £40k if they are broken and rogue landlords can no longer hide, as councils’ new powers under the Renters’ Rights Act kick in to investigate and clamp down harder.
Alongside boosted funding for councils to oversee the Act and take robust enforcement action, the courts are being digitalised to help tenants and landlords access justice, with millions being invested to simplify processes.
Generation Rent’s Chief Executive Ben Twomey said: “Today marks a new era for private renters across England. This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.
“Our homes are the foundations of our lives, but, for decades, Section 21 evictions forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concens with our landlords. At last, this outdated and unfair law has been sent packing.
“If this law is to reach into people’s homes and improve their lives, it’s vital councils across the country are using all their powers to make sure landlords stick to the new rules. Meanwhile I encourage every renter to take the time to understand their new rights and how to enforce them.”
Clara Collingwood, Director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “It’s fantastic that section 21 no fault evictions have finally been banned. For too long this everyday injustice has allowed landlords to get away with outrageous behaviour – profiting from unhealthy homes and threatening tenants who try to stand up to them.
“And as well as abolishing section 21, the Renters’ Rights Act will make it easier for tenants to have pets in their home, limit rent up front to one month, end exploitative practices like bidding wars and make it easier to hold landlords to account over repairs. These are the biggest changes to private renting in a generation.
“It’s taken years of campaigning by renters’ organisations to get us to this point but thanks to this legislation, today we are significantly closer to securing decent, secure homes for every renter.”
Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said: “Today marks an important milestone for the millions of people renting across England who have lived without stability and security for far too long. Private renters will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief without the threat of a ‘no fault’ eviction or an unfair rent increase pushing them into homelessness.
“Section 21 evictions have long been one of the leading causes of homelessness. As an organisation we have campaigned long and hard to strengthen renters’ rights and today’s legislation is a critical step in doing so.
“At last, private renters can feel safe and secure in their homes without the threat of an unnecessary eviction forcing them into homelessness.”
How have renters’ rights improved?
No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – private landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.
Goodbye to fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
One month’s rent upfront, max – landlords can’t ask for more.
No discrimination – it’s now illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids.
Pets welcome – renters can now ask to live with a pet and landlords must reasonably consider it.
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Private landlord possession claims using the Section 21 process that are going through the courts on the commencement date will proceed as normal.
After 1 May 2026, the courts will still be able to process Section 21 possessions that are ongoing, for example:
if a private landlord served their tenant with a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, any court possession proceedings must be made in line with the usual rules and no later than 31 July 2026, when using the Section 21 court process.
after this date (31 July 2026), the landlord will not be able to use the Section 21 process and must use the new grounds for possession.
Dogs Trust Pet Friendly Housing Lead, Jennifer Leonard, said: “Across the UK, one in seven requests we receive from people wishing to hand over care of their dog is due to a housing-related issue.
“Now, we hope that fewer renters will face the heartbreaking choice between finding a safe place to live and keeping their beloved pet. The new legislation, alongside our resources on responsible pet ownership, provides clarity to landlords and tenants and will allow more people to benefit from the joy that pets can bring.”
Joanna Elson, CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age said: “The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act is an important milestone for tenants of all ages. For the rising number of older private renters that we support, it is vital.
“Many of the tenants in later life that we speak to say that, until now, they lived in a constant state of anxiety, worried about being evicted for no reason and the consequences of asking their landlord for repairs.
“Although the job of making renting safe, secure and affordable for everyone is not yet done, today, we are a significant step closer.”
Seyi Obakin, chief executive of leading youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, said: “Ending youth homelessness requires a series of policies aimed at reducing the number of young people at risk and supporting those already experiencing it into sustainable tenancies and employment.
“The protections in the Renters’ Rights Act will prevent thousands of young people pushed into homelessness every year because of no fault evictions. This is a cause for real celebration: from the beginning of this month, fewer young people will end up in housing crisis or trapped in temporary accommodation as a result of a no-fault eviction.
“Private renting is the default option hundreds of thousands of young people across the country – the increased protections in this Act mean they better able to rely on the security of their tenancies and enjoy and benefit from the stability that brings.”
Amira Campbell, National Union of Students President said: “Renting as a student can be as stressful as any university assignment. The Renters’ Rights Act is a transformative piece of legislation, giving us the ability to leave tenancies, capping the rent that can be demanded upfront, and stopping the rush to sign next year’s contract.
“I am proud of the student leaders who worked with us to ensure that Act reflects the reality we face as students and gives us the reassurances we need to be able to feel secure in our housing. Those students have made sure that future students will not face the same exploitative conditions they had to endure.
“I hope the momentum to give renters our rights only continues. Students are an important part of any university town or city, and we need a warm, decent place to live.”
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.
“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership. That ends thanks to this new law.
“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.
“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding. At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”
Emma Haddad, CEO at St Mungo’s: “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a sea change moment for people who have been pushed into or put at risk of homelessness.
“Measures in the Act, including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and limits on rent increases, signal a fundamental shift away from a system that has led people into homelessness instead of into a secure and stable home.
“Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, we need to ensure that all elements of the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness are progressed.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Today marks a significant step forward for tenants across England as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, bringing in a new era of protections and greater transparency in the private rented sector.
“The removal of Section 21 means tenants can no longer be evicted without a specific legal reason, which represents a major shift in security of tenure. At the same time, the new system places greater responsibility on landlords and agents to ensure every step of the process is evidence-based and fully compliant with the law.
“This is a complex transition for the sector, but professional, well-trained and qualified letting agents will play a vital role in making sure these changes work effectively in practice.”
Industry support continues
Propertymark continues to support agents as they implement the new legislative framework, helping ensure they remain compliant, informed, and confident in their responsibilities.
In turn, well-trained and qualified agents are best placed to guide their landlords effectively through these changes, ensuring that tenants benefit from consistently high standards of professionalism, transparency, and legal compliance across the rental sector.
The stronger the understanding within the agency sector, the better the experience and protection delivered to tenants under the new system.
The Scottish Coalition On Tobacco (SCOT) is celebrating the UK Government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was introduced with a four nations approach on 5 November 2024, having received Royal Assent to become law this week (Wednesday 29 April).
The new law means that from 1 January 2027 it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It will also bring in other major public health driven measures such as a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches to under 18s and outlaw the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and other recreational nicotine products.
The Scottish Coalition On Tobacco, an alliance of 19 health advocacy charities, royal colleges, pharmacy and medical associations convened by ASH Scotland, is welcoming the new law as a major step towards Scotland becoming a tobacco-free nation.
We are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco & Vapes Act will become reality.
Our CEO said “This is a significant step towards eradicating the damage inflicted by profit-centred corporations on people’s lives & tackling advertisement of heath harming nicotine products” pic.twitter.com/9ngRV8XnTv
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland and Chair of SCOT, said: “With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland, causing nearly 9,000 deaths each year, we are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act will become reality as they can be truly transformative and must be implemented without delay.
“Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, and this is a significant step towards eradicating the damage being inflicted by profit-centred multi-national corporations on people’s lives, especially in our poorest communities, and tackling the advertising and promotions of addictive, heath harming recreational nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.”
Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “This is a true landmark moment for public health.
“For everyone who has lost someone to a smoking related heart attack or stroke, for every clinician who has seen the toll of tobacco at the bedside, and for every young person who will now grow up free from the harms of smoking – we celebrate this historic achievement that will save lives for generations to come.”
Professor Steve Turner, President of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act has the exact type of bold ambition and long‑term thinking that makes meaningful change for children and young people. This will help to improve child health outcomes and narrow the unacceptable health inequalities gap.
“Paediatricians are thrilled to have supported this important piece of legislation, which will reduce the unacceptable burden that tobacco and vaping places on today’s youth, and also protect future generations from the harms of nicotine addiction. I celebrate this landmark moment for child health. This is a clear signal that the wellbeing of children and young people can and should come first.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “This landmark legislation means a smoke free future across the UK and the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation. The Act also builds on restrictions concerning where vapes, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products can be used which we welcome.
“The next Scottish Government needs to outline how the bill will be implemented. It must also make sure existing smokers aren’t left behind by providing essential smoking cessation support, especially in areas of deprivation where smoking rates are highest. We are looking forward to working with new MSPs to go further to protect public health and hold the tobacco industry to account.”
Adam Osprey, Head of Policy at Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “Community pharmacy teams contribute to the goal of a smoke-free Scotland by supporting tens of thousands of quit attempts each year, and have done for over 15 years.
“These teams have been sharing in more recent times their concern over the changing patterns in nicotine use, whether that be the rise in popularity of vapes and pouches. On behalf of our members, we are delighted that the Bill has passed and received Royal Assent, as its bold commitments to action provide the preventative measures that are required to complement the well-established cessation offering in Scotland”.
Professor Mark Strachan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which we supported consistently from the beginning of this process – has now received Royal Assent.
“This truly is a historic moment in the UK which offers the opportunity for all future generations of young people to be protected from the harms of smoking as we strive for a smoke-free society. The stricter regulation of vapes, especially in relation to young people, is also important.
“As we celebrate this major milestone in public health policy and the progress that has been made over the last few decades, we also remember that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and we will continue to work with others to ensure that all existing smokers are regularly offered and provided with access to the highest quality cessation support and that this support is backed up with appropriate investment.”
