Erewash MP backs Government measures to tackle smoking and underage vaping

Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash has welcomed the news that the Government will take action to tackle smoking and underage vaping. 

On Monday 29th January 2024, the Government announced a package of measures as part of its response to the consultation on smoking and vaping, which closed in December 2023. Under Government plans:

• Disposable vapes will be banned
• New powers will be put in place to restrict vape flavours, introduce plain packaging and change how vapes are displayed in shops so they don’t appeal to children  
• A new law will also be introduced to make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 1st January 2009, delivering on the Prime Minister’s pledge to create a smokefree generation

Ms Throup, a former Health Minister, has been a vocal advocate of the UK’s Smoke Free 2030 ambition and has called for the Government to implement greater restrictions on vaping products.  

Maggie said: “Throughout my time in Parliament and as a Health Minister, I campaigned tirelessly for the Government to take tougher action on smoking and vaping. Today’s announcement is fantastic news and highlights that the Government is committed to tackling the smoking and vaping epidemic. 

“I am pleased that the Government is banning disposable vapes and is taking action around the marketing of products. Vapes should never be used as a recreational product or confectionary. 

“During my time as a Health Minister, I commissioned Javed Khan to carry out a review into measures and policy required to achieve the Government’s goal of the nation becoming “smoke-free” by 2030. Included in the Khan review were measures to tackle the exponential rise in vaping, such as around the marketing of products. 

“The Government’s measures will restrict vape flavours, how vapes are displayed in stores, as well as their packaging and product presentation. The new rules on vapes will ensure that they are only ever used as an aid to quit smoking and not as a fashion accessory. 

“The Government’s measures will stop young people from ever starting to smoke and protect an entire generation from smoking harms. I look forward to scrutinising further proposals in the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill once it is introduced in Parliament in the near future.”