MPs have voted in favour of banning disposable vapes as part of a legislative push to combat youth vaping. The bill, supported by health secretary Wes Streeting, aims to protect children from addiction and received significant cross-party support. The measures in the bill include restrictions on vape packaging, banning certain flavours that appeal to children, and extending the indoor smoking ban to outdoor spaces. The hope is that these efforts will reduce youth vaping rates.
Introduced by Rishi Sunak’s government in January 2024, the bill was later supported by Labour after they took office in July. The bill received 415 ayes to 47 noes in its second reading, with some notable names opposing the legislation. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch and former home secretary Suella Braverman were among the 47 MPs who voted against the bill. Seven Liberal Democrats and all four Reform UK MPs also opposed the legislation.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of the bill in combating addiction and protecting children from harmful substances. He stated that the bill aims to create a smoke-free generation and eventually a smoke-free nation by gradually raising the legal age of tobacco sale. The legislation also includes consulting on banning smoking in certain outdoor settings to protect children and vulnerable individuals from second-hand smoke. Streeting highlighted the need to prevent a new generation of young people from becoming addicted to nicotine.
During the bill’s second reading, Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell expressed concerns about the effectiveness of banning substances and emphasized personal choice and responsibility. However, Streeting argued that addiction to tobacco is uniquely harmful and addictive, and the focus should be on protecting individuals from these harmful substances. Disposable vapes, which are difficult to recycle and contain harmful waste, are a significant concern for the environment. The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs estimated that millions of single-use vapes were littered or disposed of each week.
The UK has seen a significant growth in vape use, with around 9.1% of the population using them. Disposable vapes are particularly problematic due to their impact on the environment and the presence of harmful substances in their composition. The legislative measures aim to address these issues and protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from the harms of nicotine addiction. As the bill progresses, efforts will be made to ensure that the regulations are effective in reducing youth vaping rates and promoting public health.
