Today’s King's Speech by the new Labour Government marks a pivotal moment in public health policy with the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. While the intention to create a smokefree generation is commendable, the draconian measures proposed to regulate vaping products threaten to undermine significant progress in reducing smoking rates and could drive people back to cigarettes or the black market.
Creating a Smokefree Generation
The Labour Government’s plan to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, is a bold step towards eradicating smoking among future generations. Smoking remains the UK's single biggest preventable killer, claiming 80,000 lives annually and costing the NHS and economy an estimated £17 billion each year. Preventing the next generation from picking up this deadly habit is crucial.
The Vital Role of Vaping in Smoking Cessation
However, vaping has proven to be a highly effective tool for smoking cessation. According to the NHS, two-thirds of smokers who turn to vaping successfully quit smoking. This is echoed by a Cochrane review, which found high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches or gums.
The success of vaping in reducing smoking rates is evident. The proportion of smokers in the UK has fallen significantly, from 20.2% in 2011 to 12.9% in 2022. Vaping has been a critical factor in this decline, providing a safer alternative for those looking to quit smoking.
The Threat of Over-Regulation
Despite these benefits, the new bill proposes stringent regulations on vaping products, including restricting flavours, packaging, and point-of-sale displays. These measures risk pushing vapers back to smoking or into the hands of illegal markets, where product safety cannot be guaranteed. The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) estimates that the black market for vaping products results in significant lost tax revenue and poses serious health risks.
Support from Key Opinion Leaders
Prominent figures in public health support the role of vaping in smoking cessation. Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, highlights that while the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, the harmful effects of smoking are indisputable. Vaping offers a significantly safer alternative, crucial for those attempting to quit smoking.
Similarly, Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce of the University of Oxford emphasizes that e-cigarettes, which do not burn tobacco, expose users to a far less harmful mix of chemicals compared to conventional cigarettes.
Riot’s Call to Action
At Riot, we urge the new Labour Government to reconsider the excessive restrictions on vaping products. We support measures to prevent youth vaping but believe that adult smokers must continue to have access to effective and safe cessation tools. Over-regulation could undo years of progress in public health and drive consumers back to smoking or the unsafe black market.
We stand with public health bodies and experts advocating for balanced, evidence-based regulations that maximize the benefits of vaping for smoking cessation while minimizing risks to non-smokers and young people. Together, we can create a smokefree future without compromising the health and safety of current smokers.
For more information and to join our advocacy efforts, visit our website and stay informed about the latest developments in public health policy.
