Cross-party group launches to ensure proportionate regulation of vaping

Members of parliament have formed a group to spotlight the importance of the vaping industry as restrictions are introduced.

While a ban of disposable vapes was announced earlier this year, set to come into effect in April 2025, a new tax was announced in the Spring Budget and a draft bill of measures, including restrictions to flavours and display, was published yesterday.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) launched with an aim to ensure government measures on vaping are ‘balanced and proportionate’, and ‘provide a voice’ on vaping issues within parliament, highlighting the best practice for adults to quit smoking, preventing children from accessing vapes, protecting the environment and tackling the illicit trade. 

The inaugural meeting saw Gareth Johnson, MP for Dartford, elected as chair, as well as Mary Glindon, MP for North Tyneside, as vice chair.

Johnson said: “I have been interested in the benefits of vaping for some time. There are now millions of former UK smokers who quit thanks to vaping. However, the sheer volume of legislation proposed on the sector over the next 18 months is considerable and its critical we get the balance right.

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“The APPG will act as a focal point for vaping issues within parliament, particularly in making representation to government as it seeks to introduce a raft of measures in the coming months, including a new vape tax and a ban on disposable vapes. The Vapes Bill introduced to parliament this week will also give government wide ranging, and as yet, undefined enabling powers to regulate packaging, display and flavours.”

The IBVTA’s research found that of those that vape, 41% used fruit flavours, representing almost half of all those who vape, it said. More than half (59%) report that having a range of flavours helps them to reduce their smoking or from going back to smoking.

Johnson continued: “Vaping has the potential to save so many more lives whilst if half of every current smoke quit, it would save the NHS £500 million per year. But it is critical as this weight of legislation is designed and moves forward onto the statue book, that there is a strong voice on vaping in parliament. I would therefore urge ministers to constructively engage with the APPG over the coming months to ensure that the regime we end up with is fair and balanced, safeguards children and the environment, without risking the many benefits that vaping can bring.”

Also involved in the group is Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North East, and Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury. The new group is being supported by the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA).

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