Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the UK smoke. 50% of regular smokers will die early as a result of their addiction. Smoking results in heart disease, stroke, lung disease and cancer. I am a doctor and I see the devastating impact these conditions have on the lives of patients and their families.

Harrow council is proposing an end to 'Stop Smoking' services in the borough, because of financial cuts. This service helps Harrow residents quit by using the most effective behavioural support methods. The service has helped 1,751 people stop smoking since April 2013. Harrow Council proposes to end all local 'Stop Smoking' programmes, including tobacco awareness campaigns aimed at children.

The short term saving for the council would be £279,000 per year, but because of smoking related disease the longer term economic costs will be much greater. For every £1 invested in Stop Smoking the economy saves £11 over the lifetime of a smoker who quits. We need 2000 signatures from Harrow residents/workers/students to trigger a full council session to further dicuss this savings proposal, though any signature is helpful. Please sign this petition before 8th December to protect the future health of Harrow residents.

You may think this doesn't affect you but this local issue reflects a national trend, and will wreak havoc on the NHS in years to come.

Thank you

Dr Tara Sathyamoorthy
Consultant in Respiratory Medicine