MPs have voted to pass the tobacco and vapes bill by 366 to 41. The bill has now passed its third reading and committee stage in the House of Commons, and will go to the House of Lords next month.
Originally drafted by the previous government, the bill was shelved after the announcement of an election before finally being introduced to Parliament last year.
Its measures include phasing out the legal sale of tobacco to anyone aged 15 or younger with the aim of creating a ‘smokefree generation’, as well as tightening the regulations on vape flavours, packaging and displays.
‘Today, MPs have taken a major step forward on the journey to end the harm caused by smoking for good,’ said ASH chief executive Hazel Cheeseman. ‘Since the link between smoking and lung cancer was first established, smoking has claimed more than 8m lives in this country. This historic legislation was first tabled by a Conservative government and will be passed by a Labour one, backed by all four corners of the United Kingdom. It is a rare policy that unites the country in a shared commitment to change. Phasing out the sale of tobacco will protect future generations from the harms of smoking – and sooner or later, smoking will be just a footnote in this country’s history.’
She also welcomed the confirmation that funding would continue for the ‘swap to stop’ scheme, which provides free vaping products for people trying to quit smoking. ‘The measures to tackle the irresponsible promotion of vapes in the bill are needed and welcome – however, it is important that people quitting smoking still have access to vapes as a safer alternative. The continuation of the funding for the swap to stop scheme is therefore important, particularly for reaching those on low incomes where smoking rates are highest.’
Earlier this week the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) also announced funding for 80 apprentice enforcement officers to help stop ‘harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops’ as well as underage sales.