Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Illegal Vapes

16 January 2024 · 8 other contributors · 9,019 words

Opened by Peter Gibson Con Darlington

Responding minister: Andrea Leadsom

Environment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Peter Gibson raised concerns about illegal vapes in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the availability of vaping products to children and non-smokers, with 20% of children reportedly trying vaping products despite not having smoked.
  • The Minister highlighted that over two-thirds of current youth vapers use disposable products, which are all illegally sold due to the buyers being underage.
  • 5 million disposable vapes are littered or discarded weekly, quadrupling over a year according to the latest figures.

Key requests to Government

I ask for a nationwide awareness campaign on illegal vapes for both adults and children, increased school education about the risks to young people, plain packaging for vape products like tobacco, a robust licensing system for both vapes and tobacco, collaboration between trading standards departments and police forces, on-the-spot fines for selling illegal products at punitive rates, and swifter premises closure orders.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Peter Gibson Con Darlington

I am concerned about the availability of vaping products to children and non-smokers. The latest figures show that some 20% of children have tried vaping, despite not having smoked before. The flavours, packaging and design of vapes are attractive to children, and these products are often visible in shops. I have met parents whose children are addicted to vaping and highlighted the issue of disposable vape litter on streets. Additionally, one out of every three vapes sold in the UK is estimated to be illicit, with much higher concentrations of nicotine than legal alternatives. The sale of illegal vapes is concentrated in pop-up mini-markets that sell illegal tobacco products as well.

Other contributors (8)
  • Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

    Congratulating her colleague on the debate, she highlighted the growing issue of youth vaping, citing a NASUWT survey where 85% of teachers reported it as an issue. She proposed banning the sale of disposable vapes, restricting their display and colours to discourage children from using them. Johnson also advocated for stricter regulations on advertising and marketing, including removing promotional activities in public spaces. Caroline Johnson raised concerns about the colours and flavours in vapes being potentially designed to attract children, questioning whether adults would be interested in such flavours. She also mentioned discussions with an industry representative suggesting that removing flavours could lead to prolonged addiction as smokers might switch from tobacco-flavoured products to other tastes.

  • Gareth Johnson

    Supports the clampdown on illegal vapes while encouraging responsible use of legal vapes as an aid for adults quitting smoking. Asked Caroline Johnson if she accepted that properly produced disposable vapes offer an attractive alternative for adults looking to quit smoking and save lives. He mentioned recycling possibilities by companies producing these devices.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the debate and expresses concern about unregulated vape shops appearing and disappearing, advocating for a licensing system to be enforced by local councils.

  • Kirsten Oswald SNP East Dunbartonshire

    Concerned about the environmental impact of disposable vapes and their attractiveness to young people, leading to addiction and potential smoking initiation. Emphasised the need for urgent action due to a sevenfold increase in vaping among 11-17 year-olds since 2021. Called for clearer public health messaging on the harms of vapes and urged closing down routes through which illicit vapes arrive, including online sales. Will the Minister give way?

  • Mark Eastwood Con Dewsbury

    Mr. Eastwood highlighted the seriousness of illegal vapes and cigarettes in Dewsbury, noting that over 20 retail outlets were found selling illicit products during a test purchase exercise before Christmas. He mentioned specific examples such as a £10 disposable vape promising 3,500 puffs compared to legal ones with only 600 puffs. Another product available for £17 provided 15,000 puffs and 24 ml tank sizes, far exceeding the maximum legal limit of 2 ml. Mr. Eastwood also referenced a seizure of £100,000-worth of illicit products by West Yorkshire police in October last year.

  • Mary Foy Lab City of Durham

    Mary Foy expressed concern about the sale and use of illegal vapes in her constituency, highlighting that over 6,000 illicit vapes were seized last year with three prosecutions linked to under-age sales. She criticized the Tory Whips for instructing Conservative Members to vote down amendments similar to those announced in the King's Speech, arguing it contributed to the current issues.

  • Preet Kaur Gill Lab Co-op Birmingham Edgbaston

    The hon. Member highlighted the alarming rise in youth vaping, noting that the number of children aged 11 to 17 who are vaping regularly has more than trebled since 2021 to over 140,000 British children. She expressed concern about the influx of illegal vapes and the lack of enforcement by trading standards and Border Force, citing an analysis finding that 88% of products seized were non-compliant with UK regulations. Preet Kaur Gill called for action on nicotine-free vapes marketed to children, which often contain harmful chemicals, and questioned whether the Government would ban such vapes being sold to minors. She also raised concerns about current regulatory loopholes allowing illegal products to remain on the market and advocated for stronger powers for the MHRA.

  • Sally-Ann Hart

    Sally-Ann Hart spoke about the potential long-term health risks associated with vaping and highlighted that over 2 million illicit vapes were seized across England between 2022 and 2023. She emphasised the dangers of illegal vapes for young people, noting high levels of metals found in e-liquids confiscated from school pupils.

Government Response

Andrea Leadsom

It is a pleasure to speak under your chairmanship today. The Government acknowledges the serious concerns about illegal vapes and their impact on children's health, particularly the nicotine content which poses significant risks for young brains. Over two-thirds of current youth vapers use disposable products—all illegally, because they are underage—and 5 million disposable vapes are littered or thrown away weekly, quadrupling over a year. Businesses selling illegal vapes face severe penalties including unlimited fines and up to two years in prison. The Government has announced £3 million funding for National Trading Standards to enforce regulations against illicit products, leading to the seizure of 2.1 million vapes between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, an extra £30 million per year is allocated over five years to support enforcement agencies in tackling illicit trade. The Minister also highlighted efforts to educate children about vaping risks through school curricula and online content, as well as consultations on measures such as fixed penalty notices to further strengthen enforcement.

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