Can you provide an update on the progress of City Hall’s work with partners on making our city smokefree ahead of the national target of 2030?

I am committed to supporting partners’ efforts to achieve a smokefree city by 2029, as set out in London’s Health Inequalities Strategy and London Heath and Care Vision.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of early death and ill health in London and causes significant health inequalities. Although London has some of the lowest rates in the country, smoking rates between the poorest and richest Londoners is stark: 29% of those living in social housing smoke compared with just over 7% of those that own their own home.

I am pleased the NHS has identified smoking cessation as a priority across the core20plus5 framework, given its significance as a risk factor for many long-term conditions.

My health team are also supporting partners to  develop the new London Tobacco Control Alliance, which will integrate and amplify the work of local authorities, health, care and voluntary sector organisations to achieve our shared aspiration of a smokefree city.