UK adult smoking rates fall below 10% for the first time

Adult smoking prevalence in the United Kingdom fell below 10% for the first time in 2025, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Approximately 4.9 million adults, or 9.8% of the population, smoked cigarettes in 2025, a decrease from 10.6% in 2024. This represents a significant long-term decline from 20.2% in 2011.

For the second consecutive year, vaping prevalence has exceeded smoking prevalence. Approximately 5.4 million adults (9.9%) used vaping products in 2025. While smoking rates vary by region—with Scotland recording the highest prevalence at 11.4% and England at 9.5%—the overall trend shows a continued shift toward e-cigarette use.

These findings arrive ahead of upcoming UK tobacco regulations, including a smoke-free generation law set for January 1, 2027, which will prohibit tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.