Dr Justin Webb, Associate Professor of Physical Activity and Health, said vapes are 'not risk-free and their long-term effects remain unclear'
Date: 6 October 2026
New figures from the Office for National Statistics released this morning (6 October) show around 4.9 million adults (9.8 per cent) across the UK smoked cigarettes in 2025.
And around 5.4 million (10 per cent) used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally - a similar proportion to the year before.
Dr Justin Webb, Associate Professor of Physical Activity and Health at London Metropolitan University, examined the statistics and pulled out some of the key trends.
He said: "It is great to see a continued decline in the overall smoking figures with a fall in the UK adult population from 10.6 per cent to 9.8 per cent. What is particularly positive is the significant reduction in 18 to 24 years olds smoking over the last 14 years with 25.7 per cent smoking in 2011 and 7.2 per cent in 2025.
"However, 4.9 million people do still smoke, and inequalities remain. For example, smoking is almost three times as common among people in routine and manual occupations as among those in managerial and professional roles. Work must continue. Accessible, effective support to quit must remain a priority.
"On vaping, today’s figures show overall adult use has remained broadly stable, rather than continuing to rise. Although it is somewhat concerning that 1.1 million people who have never smoked reported using an e-cigarette, a slight increase from 2024 figures.
"Vapes can help adults stop smoking, but they are not risk-free and their full long-term effects remain unclear. We need to preserve their value as a quitting aid while strengthening protection against uptake among children and non-smokers."
Dr Justin Webb is Associate Professor of Physical Activity and Health and the Course Leader for the Public Health Msc.
His former roles include working as the Director of the Centre for Workplace and Community Health at St Mary's University, and as a National Engagement Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, leading on the charity's healthy lifestyles programme.