I’ve been living in the UK for most of my life and during that time, I’ve noticed the significant impact that cigarettes have had on our society. From the smell of smoke on the streets to the constant price increase, cigarettes have become a staple in the lives of many people in the UK. In this article, I will be discussing the history of cigarettes in the UK, the influence of tobacco companies, the rising cost of smoking, and the efforts to reduce smoking in the country.
Cigarettes have been a part of English culture for over 500 years. The first recorded smoking of tobacco in England was in the late 16th century by Sir Walter Raleigh. At the time, smoking was seen as a luxurious and exotic habit, and it quickly became popular among the upper classes. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about advancements in cigarette production, making it more accessible and affordable for the general public. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that cigarettes became a widespread phenomenon.
With the rise in popularity of cigarettes, tobacco companies saw a huge opportunity for profit. They began targeting their marketing towards women, using slogans such as “Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet” to promote the idea that smoking could help with weight loss. They also exploited the idea of cigarettes being a symbol of independence and rebellion, targeting teenagers and young adults. The tactics used by tobacco companies were successful, and by the 1960s, over 80% of men and 44% of women in the UK were smokers.
But the consequences of smoking were starting to become evident. In 1962, a study published by the Royal College of Physicians revealed the link between lung cancer and smoking. This was a turning point in the public’s perception of cigarettes. Additionally, in the 1970s, the UK government began to take action by requiring health warnings on cigarette packaging and banning cigarette advertisements on television. However, it wasn’t until 2007 that smoking in public places was banned in England, following the lead of other countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Despite the various measures taken to reduce smoking in the UK, it still remains a prevalent issue. One of the main reasons for this is the addictive nature of nicotine, a chemical found in cigarettes. Nicotine gives the smoker a temporary sense of relaxation and pleasure, making it difficult for them to quit. In fact, it’s estimated that about 70% of smokers in the UK want to quit, but only about 2-3% are successful in doing so.
Another major factor contributing to the continued popularity of smoking in the UK is the affordability of cigarettes. In 2019, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes was £10.26, which is significantly higher than the average price in other European countries. In comparison, a pack of 20 cigarettes in Poland, for example, costs around £3.60. Despite the high cost, many smokers are still willing to pay for their addiction, even if it means cutting back on other necessities.
The cost of cigarettes also has a disproportionate impact on certain groups, such as low-income and young smokers. According to a study by the University of Edinburgh, young people from deprived areas are more likely to start smoking due to the perceived social and cultural benefits. Additionally, low-income individuals often have higher levels of stress and anxiety, and smoking is often seen as a coping mechanism.
The high cost of cigarettes is also a major source of revenue for the government. In 2018-2019, tobacco tax alone brought in over £2.5 billion. However, this revenue comes at a cost to public health, as smoking-related illnesses and diseases cost the NHS an estimated £2.5 billion each year. This raises the ethical question of whether the government should continue to profit from something that is proven to be harmful to its citizens.
In recent years, the UK government has taken more steps to discourage smoking. In 2015, plain packaging was introduced for cigarettes, which removed all branding and replaced it with health warnings and graphic images. This was done in an effort to make cigarettes less appealing, especially to young people. The government has also continually increased the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes, currently sitting at 18 years old.
Furthermore, there has been a rise in the popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking. Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, has been marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, as it contains fewer harmful chemicals. However, there is still ongoing debate about the long-term effects of vaping, as well as concerns about its marketing towards young people.
In conclusion, cigarettes have a long and complex history in the UK. From their introduction by Sir Walter Raleigh to the present day measures to reduce smoking, cigarettes have had a significant impact on our society. Despite the various efforts to discourage smoking, it still remains a prevalent issue, with the addictive nature of nicotine and the high cost of cigarettes being major barriers in quitting. It’s clear that more needs to be done to reduce smoking in the UK and protect the health of its citizens.