Tomorrow, I will be introducing my Bill on Disposable Electronic Cigarettes with the aim to ban disposable vapes and e-cigarettes. This follows an NHS survey conducted in 2021 and published last year which found that nearly one in five (18%) of fifteen-year-olds considered themselves e-cigarette users.
I fear that despite preventative fines currently in place, the disposable devices remain far too accessible for young people and therefore a ban on all disposable forms of the device is necessary. In particular, it is concerning that the design of disposable vapes is appealing to children through their bright colours, attractive sweet flavours and popular prominence on social media sites such as TikTok.
There are severe environmental harms relating to the disposal of these disposable plastic items. Particularly the lithium batteries they contain, difficulties in recycling them and common littering which are all problems often associated with the devices.
Reusable vapes remain an important means of quitting smoking, but I fear that their disposable counterparts have, with their cheapness, convenience and flavours, also ensnared non-smokers in an unwelcome addictive habit.
As part of a Ten-Minute Rule Bill, I have 10 minutes to stand up in the Chamber and speak uninterrupted on this important topic of the harmful effect that disposable vapes and e-cigarettes have on young people's health and the environment.
You will be able to watch my speech tomorrow here at: www.parliamentlive.tv
