Health leaders call for Tobacco and Vapes Bill to be passed swiftly

Mark Oates, director of consumer campaign group We Vape, said: “We support sensible regulation that leads to harm prevention while protecting consumer rights, and welcome many aspects of the bill, particularly the retailer licencing scheme.

“However, it is disappointing that repeated requests to limit nicotine pouch strength to 20 mg have been ignored, leaving consumers exposed to potentially higher-risk products.

“We are also in the terrifying position where 53 per cent of smokers wrongly believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking, which will massively hinder progress to the UK becoming smoke-free.

“Smokers are losing faith in vapes in the absence of clear government support, so public awareness is key to maximising the life-saving potential of this highly effective quitting tool.”