House of Commons · General Debate

Electronic Cigarettes (Branding, Promotion and Advertising)

05 September 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Helen Hayes raised concerns about electronic cigarettes (branding, promotion and advertising) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

Ms Helen Hayes moved a Bill to regulate the branding, promotion, and advertising of electronic cigarettes to prevent their appeal to children.
Hayes cited studies showing a 50% increase in underage vaping among 11 to 15-year-olds from 2018 to 2021.
She highlighted the role of attractive packaging and online promotions in drawing young people into experimental vaping.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

Ms. Helen Hayes moved a Bill to make provision about the branding, promotion and advertising of electronic cigarettes, aimed at preventing e-cigarettes from being marketed in ways that appeal to children. She cited studies indicating a significant rise in underage vaping, with one in five 11 to 15-year-olds using vapes in 2021, noting an increase by 50% over three years. Hayes emphasised the role of attractive packaging and online promotions in drawing young people into experimental vaping, leading to addiction and long-term use. She also pointed out that nicotine dependency worsens mood disorders and cognitive conditions, citing a rise in hospital admissions for suspected vaping-related disorders among children. Given the ineffectiveness of current legislation against sales to under-18s, Hayes called for tougher regulations similar to those used successfully to reduce smoking rates among youth.

Other contributors (1)

Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

Ms. Helen Hayes highlighted a dramatic increase in the number of children using e-cigarettes, with one in five 11 to 15-year-olds vaping in 2021—an increase of 50% over three years. She noted how brightly coloured packaging and online promotions are designed to attract young people into experimental vaping, leading to nicotine addiction. Hayes mentioned that the sale of vapes to under-18s is illegal but ineffective; she called for regulations on advertising, labelling, and packaging to ban branding that appeals to children.