Following today’s general election, we congratulate Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new Labour Government. At Our Vape Advocacy, we are eager to collaborate with the incoming leadership to shape the future of public health and vaping in the UK.

The Importance of Vaping in Public Health

Vaping has proven to be a valuable tool in smoking cessation, offering a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. The NHS recognises e-cigarettes as an effective means to help smokers quit, contributing significantly to reducing smoking-related illnesses and deaths. However, with the rise in underage vaping, it is crucial to implement sensible legislation that addresses this concern while preserving the benefits of vaping for adult smokers.

Building on Previous Efforts

Earlier this year, one of our executive committee members wrote for Left Foot Forward about the essential steps the Government could take to tackle underage nicotine addiction. The incoming Labour Government has a unique opportunity to build on these recommendations and further address the challenges within our industry.

We believe the current proposals to ban disposable vapes should be implemented early in the next parliament. Disposable vapes have a very short lifespan, which, in addition to encouraging youth vaping, is harmful to our environment.

Our Commitment

We are committed to supporting the new Government in creating balanced regulations that achieve the following:

• Curb Underage Vaping: We advocate for stricter measures to prevent the sale of vaping products to minors, including enhanced enforcement of age restrictions and tighter controls on marketing and packaging that appeal to young people.
• Promote Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Tool: It is essential to continue promoting vaping as a safer alternative for adult smokers. This includes providing accurate information about the benefits and risks, ensuring access to quality vaping products, and supporting smokers in their journey to quit traditional cigarettes.
• Collaborative Policy Development: We believe in working with policymakers, health experts, and the community to develop regulations informed by the latest scientific evidence and public health data.

Proposals for Further Action

Reflecting on the points raised in our April article for Left Foot Forward, Our Vape Advocacy proposes the following critical actions to tackle these issues directly:

• Closing Loopholes on Illicit Products: Empowering Border Force to seize illicit products at entry to eliminate significant loopholes.
• Uniform Age Estimation System: Implementing a standardised digital age verification system across all retail points to ensure vape products are sold only to those of legal age.
• Enhanced Enforcement Measures: Establishing a centralised platform for reporting violations within the industry to standardise the submission of complaints to authorities.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Government to ensure that vaping remains a critical component of the UK’s public health strategy. Together, we can create a future where fewer people suffer from smoking-related diseases and vaping is responsibly regulated to protect both adults and youth.

Join Us in Our Mission

Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in advocating for a healthier, smoke-free future. Let’s work together to positively impact public health and support those who wish to quit smoking.