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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Takes Bold Action Against Youth Vaping
In a bid to protect children from the potential harms of vaping, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce plans to ban the sale of disposable vapes. The government aims to reinforce its commitment to safeguarding younger generations by introducing stringent measures that restrict the sale and use of both tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
Sunak’s plans include not only the prohibition of disposable vapes but also restrictions on vape flavors, mandatory plain packaging, and alterations to how vapes, or e-cigarettes, are displayed to make them less appealing to children.
“Alongside our commitment to stop children who turn 15 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes, these changes will leave a lasting legacy by protecting our children’s health for the long term,” stated Sunak in a press release.
Smoking stands as Britain’s largest preventable killer, causing a quarter of cancer-related deaths, totaling around 80,000 annually, according to government statistics. In October, Sunak announced plans to pass a law preventing anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, from buying tobacco in their lifetime.
Despite the acknowledged role of vapes in aiding smoking cessation, concerns have arisen about their potential contribution to nicotine addiction among young people. The government reports that 9% of 11- to 15-year-olds are now using vapes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocated in December for the complete ban of all vape flavors, echoing global worries about their impact on youth. However, industry groups and the UK Vaping Industry Association argue that vapes pose significantly lower health risks than tobacco and that flavors play a crucial role in encouraging smokers to make the switch.
Sunak remains resolute in his commitment to public health. “I have an obligation to do what I think is the right thing for our country in the long term,” he emphasized. “That is why I am taking bold action to ban disposable vapes – which have driven the rise in youth vaping – and bring forward new powers to restrict vape flavors, introduce plain packaging, and change how vapes are displayed in shops.”
The government emphasizes that, in addition to health benefits, the ban on disposable vapes would contribute to environmental conservation, as approximately five million of these products are discarded each week. As the UK takes this proactive stance, the move is expected to set a precedent in addressing the complex challenges associated with vaping among young people.
