Campaigners welcome Office for National Statistics data showing 5.4 million people now vape compared to 4.9 million smokers

More people are now vaping than smoking in Britain for the first time.

The Office for National Statistics found the number of over-16s using e-cigarettes daily or occasionally was 5.4 million, overtaking tobacco smokers at 4.9 million. The biggest fall in smoking was among young adults with 8.1% smoking in 2024, down from 25.7% in 2011.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of anti-smoking charity ASH, said: “It is a significant moment that for the first time more adults consume nicotine through vapes than tobacco. The growth in vaping has almost certainly contributed to the fall in smoking and is therefore to be welcomed.

READ MORE : Vaping long-term harms could be

See Full Page