A number of constituents have contacted me in regard to the new vaping and smoking proposals put forward but the Government. This a matter of public health and safety and I hope this is able to inform about the steps we're taking to address concerns and to ensure a healthier future for us all.
Vaping
First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that while e-cigarettes are not entirely risk-free, the Government recognises their potential to help adults quit smoking. The ultimate goal of achieving a smoke-free England by 2030 is a noble and necessary aspiration, and e-cigarettes play a significant role in making it a reality.
Research shows that e-cigarettes have some of the highest success rates for people trying to quit smoking. Evidence suggest that an additional 70,000 individuals give up smoking annually by using these devices, which is a commendable achievement. Furthermore, an estimated 2.4 million vapers are former smokers, highlighting the potential health benefits of making the switch.
However, it is undeniable that we are confronted with a troubling trend – the number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, with 20.5% of children having tried vaping in 2023. I share the concerns of parents, and this is an issue I take very seriously. The advice from the Chief Medical Officer is clear: young people and non-smokers should not be vaping.
In response to these concerns, the Government is actively considering a set of proposals aimed at addressing this issue head-on. These proposals include measures such as restricting flavours, regulating point-of-sale displays, controlling packaging, and even contemplating restrictions on the sale of disposable vapes.
Working together with the devolved administrations, the Government will ensure a consistent approach to tackle the harms caused by youth vaping across the UK. A consultation is currently taking place to gather views on several measures to tackle youth vaping. You can respond to the consultation through this link:
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/en/65201ed1f3410a69990d3081
In the meantime, a new “illicit vapes enforcement squad”, led by Trading Standards, is working to enforce the rules on vaping and tackle illicit vapes and underage sales. The enforcement squad the power to remove illegal products from shops and at our borders.
Smoking
Smoking remains the single leading behavioural cause of preventable deaths in our country. It's responsible for one in four cancer deaths and 64,000 premature deaths every year. Reducing smoking rates is not just important; it's imperative to ensuring that we lead longer, healthier lives.
Significant progress has been made, with smoking rates at their lowest levels on record. This achievement is the result of doubling cigarette duties since 2010 and the continued funding of stop smoking services. However, there is much more to be done to reduce the economic and NHS burden that smoking imposes on us.
This is why the Government plans to legislate to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to children aged 14 or younger (born on or after the 1st of April 2009). This a bold step towards phasing out smoking among young people by 2040. This legislation will mean that children born after this date will never legally be sold tobacco products.
This legislation will be focused on those who sell tobacco products or buy it on behalf of someone else. The Government has never and will nor criminalise smoking in this country. In addition, I want to clarify that a national licence scheme is not being proposed, which could have placed a greater burden on convenience stores.
To support existing smokers in their journey to quit, funding for stop smoking services in England is being significantly increased. Additionally, new funding will fuel national anti-smoking marketing campaigns, with an extra £70 million annually over the next five years, reaching a total of around £138 million. This funding is expected to assist approximately 360,000 people each year in their quest to quit smoking.
The Government is fully committed to addressing the challenges posed by vaping and smoking. I encourage you to continue engaging with us and participating in the ongoing consultation to ensure your perspectives are heard.
Thank you again for all those who took the time to contact me. Together, we can shape a brighter and healthier future for all.