Ministers vow to protect children with action on disposable vapes

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. He added: “Our ambitious plans will reverse the worrying rise in youth vaping while protecting our children from the dangerous long-term effects of smoking as quickly as possible.” Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “There has been a surge in vaping amongst children, which is why we’re taking action to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes. But for children and those who don’t smoke, starting to vape isn’t a good idea, especially if you have a lung condition.” The scale of the waste created by disposable vapes in the UK is shocking – industry research shows nearly five million single-use vapes are thrown away every week Environment minister Rebecca Pow Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Ash, said: “Ground-breaking legislation to protect the next generation from smoking and vaping is needed, wanted and workable. “This consultation will ensure all voices are heard and the balance is struck between protecting children while still helping adult smokers quit.” Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “The scale of the waste created by disposable vapes in the UK is shocking – industry research shows nearly five million single-use vapes are thrown away every week. “Not only will the Prime Minister’s historic proposals to crack down on cheap and accessible disposable vapes help create the first smoke-free generation, but they will be of major benefit to the environment by tackling a particularly problematic waste stream.” Dr Mike McKean, vice president for policy at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “Just as bold action is needed to tackle smoking, so too is it needed to tackle the rise in youth vaping.