New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), published in October 2026, reveal that 1.1 million people in Great Britain who have never smoked are now using vapes. This represents an increase from approximately 940,000 in 2024, raising concerns about the growing popularity of vaping among non-smokers.

Vaping has now overtaken cigarette smoking for the second consecutive year, with 5.4 million people aged 16 and over using e-cigarettes, compared with 4.9 million smokers across the UK. Smoking rates continue to decline, with fewer than one in ten adults currently smoking. Young adults aged 18-24 have experienced the largest reduction in smoking rates, while people aged 25-34 are now the most likely age group to vape, with 16.4% reporting daily or occasional use.

Although the NHS considers vaping less harmful than smoking tobacco, the long-term health effects remain uncertain. Health experts emphasise that vaping is intended primarily as a tool to help smokers quit, rather than something for non-smokers to start. The NHS advises that non-smokers and those aged 17 and under should not vape.

The UK is also introducing legislation to create a “smoke-free generation”. Under the new law, tobacco sales will be permanently prohibited for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. While declining smoking rates represent an important public health achievement, the rise in vaping among people who have never smoked highlights a new challenge for health education and prevention.

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1. What do the latest ONS statistics reveal about smoking and vaping in Great Britain?

2. Why might vaping be considered a public health concern, despite being less harmful than smoking?

3. How does the new UK tobacco legislation aim to improve public health?