UK Parliament to Vote on Tobacco and Vapes Bill

On November 26th, the British government's official website announced that the UK Parliament will vote on the "Tobacco and Vapes Bill," which aims to protect future generations from the harm of tobacco and e-cigarettes and move the UK closer to becoming a smoke-free country.

The bill includes strict measures targeting teenage e-cigarette use, such as banning e-cigarette advertising, sales in vending machines, and restricting the flavors, packaging, and display of e-cigarettes in stores.

Furthermore, the British government plans to provide £70 million to support smoking cessation services and an additional £10 million to the Trading Standards Agency to tackle illegal trade.

If passed, the bill will proceed to the next stage of parliamentary review.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:  

"The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction."

"It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like 'gummy bear' and 'rainbow burst'." 

"The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction. That's why it's so incredibly important it is voted through."

Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said, "If this major piece of legislation is passed, it will accelerate a smokefree generation and lead to children never being trapped by addiction to cigarettes with lifelong harms to their health."

The National Health Service (NHS) recently announced plans to launch an improved quit-smoking pill that could help tens of thousands of people kick the habit. The UK government introduced new regulations in October that will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes starting on June 1, 2025.

"Vaping among young people is a significant and growing concern and we wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s commitment to tackle this as part of the measures outlined in this bill," NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said.

"Smoking also remains the leading cause of preventable deaths and has a huge impact on the NHS, costing billions every year and we look forward to working with the government and partners to ensure the next generation grow up smoke and vape free."