Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Electronic Cigarettes

29 June 2023 · 3 other contributors · 8,369 words

Opened by Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

Responding minister: Neil O'Brien

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Caroline Johnson raised concerns about electronic cigarettes in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • E-cigarettes have attracted non-smokers, with about 2 million users in the UK not previously smoking.
  • The vaping market is worth 4 billion annually and is associated with health risks including chronic bronchitis and asthma triggers for children.
  • The minister proposed new measures including updating health education and creating an illicit vaping enforcement squad.

Key requests to Government

The Minister should consider the regulation of e-cigarettes by restricting advertising on platforms such as TikTok, banning sports club sponsorships, implementing stricter health warnings, and introducing taxation measures to deter children from purchasing vapes. Additionally, the Minister should support a ban on disposable vapes based on environmental and health concerns.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

E-cigarettes have moved from being a stop-smoking device to an alternative addiction, attracting non-smokers. The vaping market is worth £4 billion annually with around 5 million users in the UK, of which approximately 2 million were not smokers before using e-cigarettes. There are significant health risks associated with vaping, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, increased blood pressure, and asthma triggers for children. In Sleaford alone, eight cases of children collapsing after vaping have been reported. Vapes often contain harmful substances like coolant and antifreeze, posing serious dangers to users.

Other contributors (3)
  • Craig Whittaker Con Halifax

    Mr Whittaker supports the Government's embrace of tobacco harm reduction strategies. He urges the Minister to continue ensuring access to a full range of less harmful alternatives to smoking, noting his personal success with heated tobacco products. He highlights concerns about youth accessing vaping products and advocates for evidence-led approaches in reducing smoking rates, citing examples from Japan and Sweden. Mr Whittaker calls on the UK to protect its sovereignty at international forums like COP10 in November by opposing recommendations that could restrict access to less harmful nicotine products. Asked whether the UK will align with WHO requests or pursue its own policies regarding electronic cigarettes at an upcoming forum in Panama.

  • Gavin Newlands SNP Paisley and Renfrewshire North

    Concerned about the rise in e-cigarette use among young people, with 40% of users having never smoked tobacco. Stressed that vaping impacts adolescent brain development negatively and increases likelihood of future smoking. Criticized marketing techniques that target youth, such as colourful branding and social media promotions, which can lead to misinformation. Highlighted environmental concerns over waste from disposable vapes, noting that Scotland faces 10 tonnes of lithium sent to landfill annually due to discarded devices.

  • Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North

    Stressed the need for action against underage vaping, citing a 50% increase in under-age use over three years. Highlighted concerns about product marketing targeting children and health impacts on young users.

Government Response

Neil O'Brien

Addressed concerns raised by MPs regarding youth vaping rates and availability of prescription products. Announced new measures such as updating the health education curriculum to teach about risks of vaping, launching a call for evidence on youth vaping, creating an illicit vaping enforcement squad, and providing £3 million to trading standards to tackle illegal vape sales.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy