Smoking Them Out?

Sales of UK cigarettes generate about £1bn profits each year. Most of this money goes to 4 companies. Health charities are, not unreasonably, calling for a 'windfall tax' on their profits (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/07/campaigners-call-for-tobacco-windfall-tax-and-yearly-surcharges-on-lethal-trade). It's clearly established that cigarette smoking causes health problems and many early deaths (notably from lung cancer). The UK currently imposes duties on tobacco products. It doesn't, however, come close to paying for the health damage caused to the population. A 'windfall tax' would go some way towards making the situation more equitable. One might go further. Many tobacco companies also produce vapes. These are claimed to have health benefits, as smokers are spared the cancer-causing tars. Nicotine is, however, highly addictive. Children are being targeted and the consequences of long-term vaping have yet to be fully evaluated. Vaping devices also utilise lots of lithium, plastic and electronics. They are also very difficult to recycle. Financial contributions to help clear these tobacco company-generated problems, also seem appropriate. Polluters should pay. Killers should be discouraged.