Close loopholes that allow youth vaping to flourish

THE aims of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, now making its way through parliament, are accepted by the major parties and most people.

- Mary Glindon

The goal of smoke-free communities is desirable and feasible.

We all know that smoking is the principal cause of death, disability, and ill health with 80,000 deaths each year.

We all know that smoking increases the risks of conditions such as dementia, stroke, heart attacks, lung diseases, and many cancers. It also causes substantial losses in productivity and extra costs for the NHS which are estimated at about £21 billion annually.

I don’t use tobacco myself but accept but there have to be balances between rights. The ban on smoking indoors in public buildings was correct but I am pleased to have played a role in stopping it from being expanded to pub gardens as a step too far for the roughly 12% of people who do smoke.

I have since focused my efforts on the nuanced challenge of vaping. I take the Chief Medical Officer’s point that “if you smoke, vaping is safer; if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”

Vapes are less harmful than smoking and play a major role in helping adult smokers seeking to quit. It’s had a very high success rate.