Disposable vapes could be banned under potential government plans amid smoking crackdown

A ban on disposable vapes is being considered by the government amid a crackdown on outdoor smoking.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told reporters in Paris last week that he would 'take action' in regards to smoking, calling it 'a preventable death'.

This comes after 'leaked' government proposals by The Sun suggested that the government could ban smoking in outdoor areas, such as small parks, outdoor restaurants and hospitals.

“It’s a huge burden on the NHS, and, of course, it’s a burden on the taxpayer. So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space,” Sir Keir said.

A ban on disposable vapes is reportedly being considered (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

“More details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths, and we’ve got to take the action to reduce the burden on the NHS and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.”

Now, a government source has told The Telegraph that it plans to ban disposable vapes are being considered due to their use among children.

Almost eight percent of 11-17 year olds vape, according to figures from an online survey of 2,000 children by health charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health). This is up from four percent in 2020.

“Ministers are currently reviewing options on whether we want to progress a ban on disposable vapes,” a Government source told the outlet.

And a government spokesperson confirmed to LADbible: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop vapes from deliberately being branded and advertised to appeal to children, including by regulating flavours, packaging, and changing how and where they are displayed in shops.

“Ministers are reviewing proposals to restrict the sale and supply of disposable vapes more widely before setting out next steps.”

In the lead up to the election, Sir Keir said he would be in favour of a ban on vapes.

“I support the banning of disposable vapes, not least because of the impact they have on children,” he said.

Nearly eight percent of 11-17 year olds vape, according to health charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) (Getty Stock Images)

“We have been campaigning for this for two years. So I have a question for the Government which is why has it taken two years to get to this stage.

“We have wasted two years.”

While smoking-related diseases account for around 100,000 deaths each year in the UK, Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said they would not advise non-smokers to start vaping.

"Just because e-cigarettes may be less harmful than tobacco doesn’t mean they are completely safe," Pearson said.

"We know they contain significantly fewer of the harmful chemicals, which can cause diseases related to smoking, but we still don’t know the long-term impact on the heart and circulation, or other aspects of health.

"E-cigarettes and vaping should never be taken up by people who don’t already smoke, but could be a useful tool to help people to stop smoking completely."