Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what comparative assessment his Department has made of smoking prevalence among armed forces personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) monitors the prevalence of smoking among Armed Forces personnel using routinely collected health data. As of April 2026, nine per cent of Service Personnel were recorded as current smokers, compared to 13 per cent in April 2024. This is broadly in line with the UK population.

The MOD provides access to smoking cessation support for Armed Forces personnel through Defence Primary Healthcare, delivered in line with national clinical guidance. Service Personnel can access in-house cessation services, including NICE-aligned support.

Defence policy aligns with UK health guidance, which recognises vaping as a potential smoking cessation aid. Support for vaping cessation is provided through primary care, including both pharmacological and behavioural approaches.

The Department continues to develop its approach, including targeted initiatives for personnel in training and updates to the Defence medical policy on tobacco and nicotine cessation.

All units are required to comply with Defence Health and Wellbeing policy, including provisions relating to designated vaping areas, with detailed requirements set out in unit standing orders. Compliance with these policies is monitored at a local level and assured through established processes.

Monitoring provides oversight of the use of illegal or non-compliant products, such as single-use vaping devices, and ensuring that appropriate plans are in place to support personnel in reducing or ceasing nicotine use.