Progressing towards London 2030 – London Tobacco Alliance three years on

The event opened with a warm welcome, reviewing progress and looking ahead

On Wednesday 5 November 2025, partners from across London’s tobacco control system came together at Coin Street Community Centre to mark the London Tobacco Alliance’s third anniversary, looking back at what’s been achieved since 2022 and sharpening our focus for the journey to Smokefree 2030.

Programme Director Tracy Parr opened the morning and welcomed colleagues, followed by a keynote from Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Regional Director of Public Health for London (NHS England / UKHSA).

Kevin reflected on London’s journey since the Alliance launched in 2022, celebrating the “once-for-London” model that has strengthened data-driven action across boroughs. He urged continued commitment to tackling inequalities and maintaining momentum towards Smokefree 2030, reminding partners that “collaboration is London’s superpower.”

Then, Dr Somen Banerjee, ADPH London Tobacco Control Lead, shared a video message reinforcing those themes and thanking local teams.

What the data tells us

Prof Ann McNeill (King’s College London) walked us through the latest London smoking data reminding us where prevalence remains stubbornly high and where targeted action can have the most impact.

Networks and partnership power

Wendy Elcome, Chair, London Tobacco Control Network (LTCN) spotlighted how the LTCN is connecting borough teams, sharing best practice and coordinating activity to accelerate impact.

Policy and enforcement: translating the Tobacco and Vapes Bill into change

Hazel Cheeseman (CEO, ASH) outlined key elements of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and potential future legislation, while Stuart Radnedge (London Trading Standards) explored on-the-ground implications for enforcement and retailer engagement.

Protecting children and young people

Kirsten Watters (ADPHL) introduced ADPH London’s youth vaping position and practical resources for local use—helping services and schools take a consistent, evidence-based approach.

Tackling inequalities: communities that need different support

• Smoking in LGBTQ+ communities: Liam Murphy (LGBT HERO) shared insights on tailored messaging and peer-led support.
• Smoking and mental health: A short film introduced by psychiatrist Dr Ed Beveridge reinforced the case for routine support in mental health pathways.
• Smoking in pregnancy: London Smoke Free Pregnancy Week will run 17-21 November 2025

Digital support at scale: Smoke Free app evaluation

Tracy Parr, Dr Eleni Vangeli (LSBU) and Sonya Dixon (Bluegrass) shared top lines from the London Smoke Free app evaluation. This included background, usage patterns, user feedback and a Q&A with the provider showing how a universal, low-barrier tool can complement local services and reach priority groups. Download a summary evaluation report of the Smoke Free App pilot in London.

NHS opportunities

Professor Sir Chris Streather (Regional Medical Director, NHS London) set out how the NHS Long Term Plan continues to open doors for systematic identification and treatment of tobacco dependency across pathways, and where London can go further, faster.

Panel: What’s next for London?

A closing panel pulled the threads together: data-led targeting; enforcement plus support; consistent youth vaping messaging; sustained investment in maternity and mental health pathways; and leveraging digital tools alongside local services.

Chris Streather and Tracy Parr wrapped with a call to keep momentum high and collaboration tight.

Key takeaways

• Collaboration works. Pan-London alignment via LTA and LTCN is helping boroughs move together on campaigns, resources and enforcement.
• Target where it matters. Latest data points us to populations and places where focused action will cut inequalities fastest.
• Policy needs to become practice. Trading standards, health and comms teams need joined-up plans and consistent messaging to turn legislation into fewer young starters and more successful quits.
• Combine specialist services with scalable digital tools like the Smoke Free app to widen reach, especially for LGBTQ+ communities, people with mental health conditions, pregnant people and other high risk groups.
• Tobacco dependence treatment should be routine across high-impact pathways within the NHS.

Thanks and next steps

Huge thanks to all speakers, London partners and the London Tobacco Control Network. We’ll keep sharing resources and updates through the London Tobacco Alliance channels. Explore our achievements and future direction in our latest Annual Report.