It’s still the case that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK.  E-cigarettes can be valuable as an aid to help smokers quit. They are part of the drive towards a smoke-free society and evidence shows a positive association with quit success.  I believe that they should not be treated in the same way as cigarettes.

Vaping is not completely risk-free, however, particularly for people who have never smoked, and evidence is mostly limited to short- and medium-term effects. I am particularly concerned about the rising prevalence of e-cigarette use among children.

It is important that we strike a delicate balance between supporting smokers in their journey towards a smoke-free future while safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our youth. E-cigarettes are one measure that should sit within a broader public health strategy to help people live well for longer.

In terms of public health, the concerning trend in young people vaping has been highlighted by Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, who described the promotion of vapes to children as “utterly unacceptable.”

I therefore fully support a ban on vapes being branded and advertised in a way that appeals to children. 

I hope that ministers, via their role in the WHO, will push harder for stronger and clearer messages, based on the latest data and evidence, and seek to regulate this market in a way that promotes quality and safety, while protecting young people.