While e-cigarettes are not risk-free, the Government supports the use of e-cigarettes as a means to stop adults smoking and contributing towards the goal of creating the first smokefree generation.
Some of the highest success rates of those trying to stop smoking are among adults using an e-cigarette, with evidence suggesting that an additional 70,000 people stop every year as a result of using these devices. An estimated 2.4 million vapers are former smokers, and the Government's Swap to Stop Scheme aims to provide almost one in five of all adult smokers in England with a vape kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit.
However, it is deeply worrying that the number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, with 20.5 per cent of children having tried vaping in 2023. As my colleague Andrea Leadsom - the Minister for Public Health has stated - it is completely unacceptable when businesses knowingly and deliberately encourage children to use a product that was designed for adults to quit smoking.
Responding to the rise in the number of children vaping, the Government has proposed banning disposable vapes, new powers to restrict flavours specifically marketed at children and changing how vapes are displayed in shops. In addition, Trading Standards Officers will be able to levy "on the spot" fines to tackle underage tobacco and vapes sales.
These measures will be supported by greater enforcement activity by Trading Standards, HMRC and Border Force. We must take every step to stop the proliferation of illicit vaping products in our communities, often imported from countries such as China and breaching UK regulations on product size and nicotine strength and sold to children. A new “illicit vapes enforcement squad” – led by Trading Standards – has been established to enforce the rules on vaping and tackle illicit vapes and underage sales, with the power to remove illegal products from shops and at our borders.
I am confident that the actions being taken by the Government will help prevent children from vaping, whilst ensuring that adult smokers are able to continue accessing a product that can help them quit.