Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Vaping: Under-18s

02 May 2023 · 7 other contributors · 4,007 words

Opened by Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

Responding minister: Neil O'Brien

NHSEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Neil Hudson raised concerns about vaping: under-18s in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Neil Hudson is concerned about the rising trend of vaping among under-18s, citing statistics from Action on Smoking and Health that show a significant increase from 11.2% in 2021 to 15.8% in 2022.
  • Hudson notes a substantial rise in the use of disposable vapes among young people, increasing from 7.7% in 2021 to 52% in 2022.
  • The minister acknowledges the surge in youth vaping and the challenge posed by cheap, colourful products not fully compliant with existing regulations.

Key requests to Government

Hudson calls for stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting sales to under-18s and urges the Government to gather data on vaping's long-term effects and implement more stringent measures such as health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, keeping e-cigarettes behind closed cabinets in outlets, and regulating advertising to prevent targeting young people.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

Neil Hudson is concerned about the rising trend of vaping among under-18s, citing statistics from Action on Smoking and Health that 15.8% of 11 to 17-year-olds had tried vaping in 2022, up from 11.2% in 2021. He notes a significant increase in disposable vapes usage among young people, reaching 52% in 2022 compared to 7.7% in 2021. Hudson highlights health concerns such as the impact on heart and lung health, tooth and gum disease, and addiction risks for developing brains. He also mentions environmental issues, with over 1 million disposable vapes thrown away weekly.

Other contributors (7)
  • Andrew Lewer Con South Ribble

    He cited a study showing that 39% of ex-smokers use fruit-flavoured vapes compared to 17% using tobacco. He warned against an overly simplistic ban on flavours, suggesting it could lead some smokers to continue smoking and face higher health risks.

  • Caroline Ansell Lib Dem Thanet South

    She agreed with the speaker's previous point and highlighted that advertising could be making vapes attractive to younger users by presenting them as benign products. Asked if the review will consider the role of Trading Standards.

  • Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

    She proposed a ten-minute rule Bill to ban disposable vapes, citing their harmful effects on children's health and the environment. She also suggested that the Government should support such legislation. Noted that many young people do not believe vapes are harmful, agreeing with the Minister's emphasis on educating children about risks.

  • Gareth Johnson

    He stressed the importance of enforcement in the vaping industry but argued against demonising vaping for adult smokers, noting it is 95% risk-free compared to tobacco smoking. Expressed concern about connecting vaping products with tobacco products, arguing that it may deter smokers from switching to vaping due to perceived risks.

  • Mark Pawsey Con Brackley and Northamptonshire

    He questioned whether the existing regulations prohibiting under-18s from purchasing vapes are effectively being enforced. Warned that continuing to talk about dangers associated with vaping could discourage smokers from switching to a safer alternative, aiming for a smoke-free target by 2030.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    She agreed with the speaker's concerns about recruiting a new generation of vape users who might become addicted, criticising the industry for prioritising profits over public health. Asked the Minister to put in place services similar to smoking programmes to support people addicted to vaping.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    She questioned whether there is sufficient research on the effects of vaping among under-18s, suggesting more studies are needed to determine its safety for this age group. Asked how closely the Minister is working with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs colleagues to ensure recycling and a circular economy in the precious metals mentioned.

Government Response

Neil O'Brien

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and The Border for securing this debate on youth vaping and acknowledge that until recently, regulations have been effective in keeping e-cigarette use among under-18s low. However, over the last 18 months, there has been a surge in the use of cheap, colourful products not always compliant with our regulations, leading to a sharp increase in the number of children vaping. NHS figures show that 9% of 11 to 15-year-old children used e-cigarettes in 2021—up from 6% in 2018. I announced on April 11th that we are stepping up efforts to stop kids getting hooked on vaping, including launching a call for evidence to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using vape products and exploring further regulatory actions. The call for evidence will also seek to understand better the vaping market, particularly the price of low-cost products. It has been open for eight weeks and aims to ensure regulatory compliance, examine product appearance and characteristics, marketing, promotion, social media impact, and environmental concerns related to disposable vapes which have seen their use among young people increase from 8% in 2021 to 52% by 2022. We are providing £3 million in new funding for a specialised illicit vaping flying squad to tackle under-age vape sales and enforce rules. This team will undertake test purchasing, disrupt illicit supply chains, remove illegal products, and provide additional support to help smokers quit while also addressing the potential risks of vaping on mental health and wellbeing.

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