A bill to ban disposable vapes has been passed by Members of Parliament (MPs) in Britain, marking a significant legislative step toward reducing youth vaping. The bill, presented as an urgent measure by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, of the Labour Party, secured the backing of 415 members, while 47 opposed it.
The legislation introduces several key provisions, such as limitations on vape packaging and a prohibition on vape flavors that are particularly attractive to children, for example, cotton candy. Furthermore, it suggests expanding the cigarette smoking ban to specific outdoor areas. Initially presented by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government in January 2024, the measure has been revived by the current Labour government, which took power in July.
Among those voting against the bill were new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, and 33 other Conservative MPs. “Surely we should be promoting the concept of freedom with responsibility and allowing people to make choices about their own lives?” argued the party’s Andrew Rosindell MP.
Additionally, seven Liberal Democrats and all four MPs from Nigel Farage‘s Reform Party also opposed the bill.
In Parliament, Streeting emphasized that the bill also aims to progressively raise the legal tobacco sale age annually, moving toward a smoke-free generation. The bill also extends an existing indoor smoking ban to various outdoor locations, subject to consultation. These include school and hospital premises and playgrounds.
Vaping in Britain has surged by 400 percent over the past decade, with approximately 9.1 percent of the population partaking.
show less
