While e-cigarettes are not risk free, the Government is actively supportive of the use of e-cigarettes as a means to help adults stop smoking and contribute towards the goal of a smoke free England by 2030.
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 smoking every year as a result of using these devices. An estimated 2.4 million vapers are former smokers, and Vaping Awareness Month - VApril - provides an opportunity to highlight the potential health benefits of making the switch.
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. The advice from the Chief Medical Officer is clear: young people and those who have never smoked should not vape. I fully understand concerns by parents about underage sales of vapes and the Government is actively considering proposals to tackle this issue. These proposals include restricting flavours, regulating point of sale displays, regulating packaging and considering restrictions on the sale of disposable vapes.
Working together with the devolved administrations, the Government will ensure a consistent approach to tackle the harms caused by youth vaping across the UK. A consultation is currently taking place to gather views on several measures to tackle youth vaping. You can respond to the consultation through this link: https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/en/65201ed1f3410a69990d3081
In the meantime, a new “illicit vapes enforcement squad” – led by Trading Standards – is working to enforce the rules on vaping and tackle illicit vapes and underage sales. The enforcement squad the power to remove illegal products from shops and at our borders.