Stronger global measures needed to reduce tobacco use
Tougher global measures are needed to reduce tobacco use and address its environmental impact, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has told governments attending this month’s World Health Organisation (WHO) COP11 summit on tobacco control.
The summit is the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Delegates including governments and international organisations will meet to discuss tobacco control policies from 17 to 22 November.
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The ERS is urging delegates to support stronger 'endgame' policies – including generational sales bans and Tobacco 21 laws, which raise the minimum purchase age for tobacco products to 21 – and to reject unproven 'harm-reduction' narratives.
Dr Filippos Filippidis, chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, said: ‘COP11 is the chance for governments to turn evidence into action.
‘Endgame policies are not radical – they are the logical next step in protecting public health and preventing addiction.’
The UK government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently in the House of Lords and is due to come into force on 1 January 2027.
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When the Bill becomes law, the permitted age of sale for tobacco will begin to rise by one year, every year, for those born on or after January 1 2009. This will mean people born on or after that date will never legally be able to buy tobacco.
The ERS is also calling for tougher environmental regulation of the tobacco industry, arguing that voluntary schemes have failed to prevent greenwashing.
The society is urging COP11 delegates to support bans on cigarette filters, classify tobacco product waste as hazardous, and strengthen legal mechanisms to recover the public costs of tobacco-related harm.
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Steven Baylis, member of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, said: ‘This is the moment to move from managing harm to preventing it.
‘Evidence shows that endgame policies are achievable, lawful, and essential to protect future generations.’
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