Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, has welcomed new Government measures to crack down on rogue firms targeting children with free vape samples, boosting education among young people and increasing the number of dedicated school police liaison officers to keep illegal vapes out of schools.
The veterinary MP and scientist highlighted the acute rise in vaping among children in the House of Commons in March. Recent NHS figures show that 9% of 11–15-year-olds used e-cigarettes in 2021, up from 6% in 2018.
Since then, Dr Hudson has secured and led a parliamentary debate on the use of vapes among under-18s which saw cross-party MPs come together to protect young people from the dangers of vaping.
He has also lobbied Ministers, tabled numerous parliamentary questions and contacted every local school to engage in the Government’s call for evidence on the subject.
Today his campaigning has paid off with Government announcing plans to close a loophole that allows retailers to give free samples of vapes to children in England. This has been prompted by arguments from Dr Hudson and other colleagues that the promotion of cheap, colourful and sweetly-flavoured products directly targets children. Vapes remain illegal to sell to under-18s but by handing out free samples, retailers can manufacture nicotine addictions in children to boost demand.
Moreover, the government has also announced today that there will be a review into banning retailers selling “nicotine-free” vapes to under-18s. This will ensure our rules keep up with the way that vaping products are being used.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“While vapes can play a role in helping adults quit tobacco smoking, it is a complete myth that these products are harmless for our young people. Children are already developing health, wellbeing, and behavioural issues so without knowing the long-term effect vaping has, I’m acutely concerned that we are blindly stumbling toward a major public health crisis.
“Parents and teachers across the UK are also really worried – we have heard deeply unsettling instances of children leaving exams or setting alarms throughout the night to vape and stave off nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
“Today’s announcement is a great step in closing a grim legal loophole and stopping children getting hooked in the first place. The marketing of these products to children is shameful and I’m pleased the Government’s next step is to review bolstering fines, banning non-nicotine gateway vapes and working more closely with schools to educate youngsters and crackdown on the illicit trade.”
This announcement builds on the Government’s robust action that has seen £3 million invested in specialised illicit vapes enforcement squads, new educational content for children and rolling out a national call for evidence so Ministers can make informed decisions.
The call for evidence for youth vaping is open until 6th June, and you can have your say here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/youth-vaping-call-for-evidence
A clear priority for the Prime Minister, the announcement has coincided with Rishi Sunak and Chief Medical Officer Chris Witty visiting a Kent lab that tests vaping products for corrupt chemicals. This follows a recent report of children using vapes with high levels of the potentially harmful substances lead, nickel and chromium.
Moreover, the Prime Minister has spoken about his own concerns as a father raising children amid the rising prominence of vaping among young people.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children.
“Our new illicit vape enforcement squad – backed by £3 million – is on the case, but clearly there is more to do. That is why I am taking further action today to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products.
“The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable and I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said:
“Whilst vaping can be an effective quitting tool for smokers, it is important that non-smokers are not encouraged to start vaping. There has been a particularly worrying rise in the number of children using vapes, with companies clearly marketing these products at children using colours, flavours and cheap disposable options.
“Closing the loophole that allows companies to give out free samples of vaping products to under 18s is a very welcome step in tackling some of the harms caused by the vaping industry.
“We should continue to encourage smokers to swap to vaping as the lesser risk, whilst preventing the marketing and sale of vapes to children.”
There will also be a review into the rules on issuing fines to shops selling vapes to under 18s illegally to allow local Trading Standards to issue on the spot fines and fixed penalty notices more easily. This will aim to complement existing fine and penalty procedures, and where possible cover both illegal and underage sales for vapes and tobacco. Where gaps are identified, we will take action to close them.
Dr Hudson's previous work on youth vaping:
