Directors of public health in London have joined others today in launching a new alliance to accelerate efforts to eliminate smoking across the capital.

The London Tobacco Alliance (LTA) has been set up to ensure that becoming a smoke-free city remains a top public health priority for decision-makers in London.

The LTA, which includes directors of Public Health and London Councils as well as other organisations, will seek to promote more smokefree environments and reduce the health inequalities associated with tobacco products.

Tracy Parr, Programme Director, London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London said: ‘The London Tobacco Alliance will act as a regional voice to make London smokefree by 2030 and will focus on the inequalities around smoking. We already have a number of key partners including OHID, ASH, NHS England, the GLA as well as Directors for Public Health and London Trading Standards.

‘The Alliance works by convening partners and experts, to share best-practice, innovations and up to date insights as well as identify opportunities for tackling illicit tobacco. Through collaboration partners will share and create system-wide approaches as well as utilising Stop Smoking London as a key resource to help more people to stop smoking.’

Dr Somen Banerjee, co-chair and smoking cessation lead, London Association of Directors of Public Health said: ‘Eliminating smoking remains our single biggest opportunity to close the gap in health outcomes.

‘Supporting people to quit smoking is the most impactful factor in improving a person’s health and quality of life and preventing premature death.

‘Through the LTA, we have a real opportunity to tackle health inequalities and support communities most disproportionately affected by smoking and tobacco harms.’