The RCP's Impactful Work with the UK's Tobacco Alliances

For over six decades, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been at the forefront of tobacco control efforts in the United Kingdom. Since its groundbreaking report on Smoking and Health in 1962, the RCP has played a pivotal role in shaping tobacco policies and raising awareness about the dangers of smoking. This blog explores the RCP's collaboration with various tobacco alliances and their significant impact on reducing smoking rates in the UK.

The Pioneering Report:
In 1962, the RCP released a landmark report on tobacco, shedding light on the detrimental health effects of smoking. At that time, approximately 70% of men and 40% of women in the UK were smokers. The report, based on the research of Sir Richard Doll and Sir Austin Bradford Hill, provided policy recommendations and marked the first instance of a medical organization taking a stand against smoking. The report received wide media attention but also faced resistance from some sectors of society and the government.

Establishment of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH):
Recognizing the need for public education and advocacy, the RCP established Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) as a separate entity in 1971. ASH's primary focus was to inform the public about the dangers of smoking and to campaign for tobacco control measures. Several RCP officers served as board members of ASH, ensuring a close partnership between the two organizations. ASH became the driving force behind tobacco campaigning in the UK, bringing together diverse organizations to effectively advocate for tobacco control.

Revitalizing Tobacco Campaigning:
In 1997, the RCP reactivated its tobacco campaigning role by establishing the Tobacco Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG aimed to produce authoritative reports, actively participate in alliance campaigns, host media events, lobby policymakers, and provide expert insights to the media and parliamentary inquiries. Over the years, the TAG has produced numerous influential reports on tobacco and smoking, forming the evidence base for successful alliance campaigns.

Impactful Reports and Legislative Changes:
The RCP's reports have played a crucial role in shaping tobacco policies in the UK. Notably, the 2005 report "Going smoke-free – the medical case for clean air in the home, at work, and in public places" provided the evidence foundation for the ban on smoking in public places. Another significant report, "Nicotine without smoke: the case for tobacco harm reduction," supported the use of e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and other non-tobacco nicotine products as alternatives to smoking.

Continued Collaboration:
The RCP remains an active member of the current tobacco alliance, the Smokefree Action Coalition (SFAC). Leveraging its medical, scientific, and communication expertise, the RCP contributes to the SFAC's efforts to advance tobacco control measures in the UK. The collective work of the RCP and its alliance partners has made a substantial impact, resulting in a remarkable decline in smoking rates. Currently, only 14.7% of the UK population smokes, a testament to the enduring success of the RCP's work in collaboration with tobacco alliances over the past five decades.

The Royal College of Physicians has been a driving force in tobacco control efforts in the UK. Through its collaboration with various tobacco alliances, such as ASH and the Smokefree Action Coalition, the RCP has played a pivotal role in shaping policies, raising awareness, and reducing smoking rates. With nearly 60 years of dedicated work, the RCP's impact is globally recognized, serving as an inspiration for tobacco control initiatives worldwide.