Smokers in Britain are trying to kick the habit more often than any other Europeans but many blame the pressures of modern life for failing, a survey of 27 countries showed yesterday.

Almost half of British smokers tried to give up in the past year – much higher than the EU average – and many sought help from their GP. But while Italians blamed their friends for their failure to quit and Austrians said that they could not cope with nicotine cravings, the British overwhelmingly cited stress as the reason why they lapsed.

Antismoking groups said that the British would benefit from counselling to find alternatives to cigarettes whenever they felt under pressure. They also pointed out that cravings generally last only a few minutes and could often be overcome by something as simple as going for a short walk.

A total of 46 per cent of British smokers tried and failed to give up in 2006, according to the Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission. This was much higher than in France (31 per cent), Germany (27 per cent) and Italy (22 per cent).

A “stressful life” was given as a main reason for failure by almost half of those who tried in Britain, compared with a European average of 33 per cent and only 15 per cent of Italians, who mainly (40 per cent) blamed friends and colleagues for not giving them enough support.

The British are by far the most likely in Europe to seek professional help, with 41 per cent asking a doctor or other health adviser, compared with the European average of 18 per cent.

The highest level of smoking in Europe was in Greece, and the lowest in Sweden. Britain is eighth in the table.

Attitudes towards smoking indoors seem to be hardening across Europe. The survey found that 88 per cent of all Europeans want a ban in work-places, up 2 per cent on a similar survey in 2005.

Markos Kyprianou, the European Union Health Commissioner, said that the findings would help his push to make all work and public places smoke-free by 2009. Such a smoking ban in England comes in on July 1.

The Department of Health said that the survey also high-lighted Britain’s successful quit rate. A spokesman said: “In [. . .] trials, quitting with professional support or with help from nicotine replacement therapy increases your chances by up to fourfold.”

Why not stop?
47% Stress
20% Like it too much
19% Cravings
19% Friends or colleagues still smoke
15% Something to do with the hands
8% Put on weight
7% Partner smokes

Source: European Commission. Multiple reasons allowed

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