Labour has admitted that no one from the Health Department has spoken with representatives of the vaping industry since the general election.
After coming into power in July, Sir Keir Starmer’s party moved swiftly to pass a ban on disposable vapes. This will take effect from June 1, 2025. Labour is now pushing the controversial Tobacco and Vapes Bill through parliament, which will see further restrictions on the sale, marketing and content of vapes.
However, it has now emerged that - despite its own impact report warning the new rules will push people back to smoking - the Health Department has not consulted on its plans in person with anyone from the vaping industry.
No meetings with the vaping industry
Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy asked the written question: “To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) he and (b) his Department has had discussions with representatives of the vaping industry since the general election.”
On Thursday, her fellow Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department of Health and Social Care, replied: “Since July 2024, no members of the Department have met with the vaping industry.
“This includes my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Details of ministerial meetings are updated quarterly in arrears, on the GOV.UK website.”
This is despite the government having promised in October to consult “with all interested parties before any future vaping regulations are introduced”.
Then, Labour MP Mary Glindon asked the written question: “To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will meet with the UK Vaping Industry Association to discuss the introduction of a Vape Licensing Scheme.”
Gwynne replied: Since September 2023, the Department has not met with the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). However, we have received and responded to several items of correspondence.
“The UKVIA, and other members of the vaping industry, did respond to the smoke-free generation and youth vaping consultation that ran from 12 October to 6 December 2023.
“We will also be consulting further with all interested parties before any future vaping regulations are introduced. Any meeting requests should be sent through the appropriate formal channels.”
Made-up scenarios of children vaping
It comes after Labour was accused earlier this month of planting made-up scenarios about nine-year-olds vaping in UK schools to help back up its new smoking and vapes crackdown.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill proposes a ban on all flavours that are considered to be targeted at children and young people. This includes sweet flavours like cotton candy, bubble gum and cola - but also fruit, which is the most popular among adult smokers trying to quit.
Manufacturers of vapes will be required to use plain, “less visually appealing” packaging and shops will have to move them out of sight of children and away from products that might appeal to them such as sweets.
Advertising and sponsorship of vapes, as well as selling them in vending machines, will also be banned. The Bill will introduce a new on-the-spot fine of £200 to help Trading Standards officers enforce offences such as under age sales.
MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the “historic” Tobacco and Vapes Bill at its second reading in the Commons last month, with 415 for and 47 against.
The proposed legislation will now continue to the Committee and Report stages, where it will undergo further scrutiny before MPs vote on it again at a later date.
