Smoking Hits Record Low with Under 10% Adults Smoking

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Smoking rates in the UK have dropped to a historic low of 9.8 percent in 2025, falling below 10 percent for the first time. The government plans to introduce laws banning tobacco sales to those born after 2008 in an effort to create a tobacco-free generation and further reduce smoking rates to 5 percent by 2030.

Smoking rates in the United Kingdom have reached a historic low, with fewer than one in ten adults now reported to smoke, according to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The prevalence of cigarette smoking dropped to 9.8 percent in 2025, marking the first time the rate has fallen below 10 percent.

This decline represents a significant reduction from previous years; in 2011, more than 20 percent of adults smoked, while in 2024 the rate stood at 10.6 percent. Historical trends show even higher rates in earlier decades, with approximately 40 percent of adults smoking in the 1970s and 1980s.

Meanwhile, the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices has surpassed traditional cigarette smoking since 2024. The ONS estimates that around 5.4 million adults vape compared to 4.9 million who smoke cigarettes. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger adults, despite ongoing public health concerns.

The National Health Service (NHS) continues to identify cigarette smoking as the leading cause of premature death in the country. Half of all smokers are ultimately expected to die due to smoking-related diseases, which include at least 16 types of cancer, heart and lung conditions, stroke, dementia, blindness, and deafness.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of the campaign group Action on Smoking and Health, highlighted the substantial reduction in smoking over recent decades while emphasizing the persistent health risks posed by tobacco smoke. She noted that the highest smoking rates in 2025 were observed among adults aged over 45.

In response to these trends, the government has announced plans to introduce new legislation restricting tobacco sales to those born after December 2008, effectively aiming to create a tobacco-free generation. The government’s goal is to reduce smoking rates further, targeting a rate of five percent by 2030.

As efforts to curb cigarette use continue, the increase in vaping presents both challenges and opportunities for public health officials seeking to balance harm reduction with concerns about nicotine addiction among younger populations.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.