MAGGIE CALLS FOR MPs BACKING

 Maggie calls for MPs to back landmark Bill that tackles smoking and vaping 

Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash, recently pledged her support to a landmark Bill that will create a smokefree generation and tackle underage vaping.  The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which had its Second Reading on 16 April, is a Government Bill that will prohibit the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009, and will impose product requirements in connection with tobacco, vapes and other products. Maggie, who has been a leading campaigner on these issues, has been urging the Government to introduce legislation to create a smokefree generation and tackle underage vaping. During the Second Reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, Maggie made a powerful intervention as to why Parliament must act now. 

Maggie said: “Through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the UK can take another significant step towards becoming smokefree which will safeguard the health and well-being of millions more people across the country from the threat of smoking related diseases. By supporting this Bill and incrementally raising the age of sale of tobacco by one year every year, the Government can eliminate smoking among the under 30s by 2050. Through this legislation, we can ensure that children turning 15 or younger this year will never legally be sold or become addicted to nicotine.  

This Bill also tackles the rise of underage vaping. Whilst I believe that vaping is an effective aid to quit smoking, many young people are being given these products, containing nicotine, and are becoming addicted to them. This is down to a clever ploy by tobacco manufacturers who are marketing vapes as fashion accessories. 

These vapes, which come in a variety of different colours and a range of flavours, appeal to young people and as I describe them are like confectionary. I am pleased that there are measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that will regulate the packaging of vaping and nicotine products. These regulations will restrict the colours and imagery that can be used on retail products of vapes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is the single biggest public health intervention in a generation. Now is the time for MPs from across the House of Commons to back this Bill for the sake of public health, the economy and our NHS.” 

Maggie’s contribution to the debate can be found by following the link here.