The UK’s smoking habit is going up in flames according to a prediction made this week by the government’s health chiefs.

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Close to 1,000 people a day quit smoking in the UK and over a million have put their last cigarette out for good since 2014, leading experts to suggest that by 2030, the UK could be classed a smokeless society (where less than 5 per cent of the population smoke).

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Currently, smoking rates in the UK are at an all-time low with just 14.9 per cent of the population smoking. According to Public Health England (PHE), Britain is now second only to Sweden in the smoke-free stakes.

The figures, released to promote Stoptober, the annual drive to encourage people to stop smoking for 28 days, show how far the UK has come. In the last seven years, the number of people smoking has declined by 5 per cent.

(Related: Motivate yourself to kick the habit for good)

PHE warn though that attempting to quit by simply going cold turkey is not an effective method when trying to kick the habit. Will-power alone isn’t enough. Instead, they suggest turning to a ‘cessation service’ instead, which can include using a vape.

However, while it’s widely accepted that vaping is less harmful than smoking, the long-term risks of switching to a vape are yet to be properly measured.

Talking to The Telegraph, Dr Jenny Harries, deputy medical director at Public Health England, said: “We predict that thousands of smokers will quit every day over the next 10 years – I urge smokers not to get left behind for the benefit of their health.

“There are many different types of stop smoking support available, so it can be difficult for a smoker to know what will work best for them. The important thing is not to be put off trying to quit even if you have not managed to in the past.”

Think it’s finally time to kick your habit? Find out how exercise, public declarations and even milk can help, here.

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