All-Party Parliamentary Group for Responsible Vaping launched

Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum including a former health secretary have come together to launch the cross-party group on vaping.

The APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) for Responsible Vaping will provide a voice on vaping issues within Parliament and with a clear focus on proportionate regulation and responsibility within the sector.

The inaugural meeting saw the election of Gareth Johnson (MP for Dartford) as chair. The following officers were also elected: Mary Glindon (MP for North Tyneside) as vice chair, 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).

It will act as a focal point for vaping issues within Parliament, particularly in making representation to government as it seeks to introduce a series of measures in the coming months, including a new vape tax, potential restrictions on flavours and a ban on disposable devices to regulate the sector.

The APPG will also seek to understand and highlight best practice in the sector in supporting adults to quit smoking as well as addressing key issues including stopping children accessing vapes, protecting the environment and tackling the illicit vape trade.

The industry is making efforts to address these issues including launching an industry code of conduct with changes to products, descriptors and flavours. The APPG will play a role to highlight and encourage industry led improvement.

Millions of smokers have quit due to switching to vaping but there are still 6.4 million UK smokers.

The IBVTA research showed 46% of smokers and 37% ex-smokers in the UK have used vaping as a tool to kick cigarettes, and a substantial 72% of ex-smokers (quit in the past 5 years) stating that single use vapes helped achieve a smoke-free life.

IBVTA research found that of those that vape, 41% used fruit flavours, and 8% used other flavours such as cola and vanilla most often.

This represents almost half of all those who vape. 59% report that having a range of flavours helps them to reduce their smoking or from going back to smoking.

Vaping is already estimated to contribute to about 50,000 to 70,000 additional smoking quits in England.

Chair of the Responsible Vaping APPG, Gareth Johnson MP 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.

“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.

“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.”