Vape retailer VPZ is today (6 August) issuing a strong call to the government to urgently prioritise the long-delayed Tobacco and Vapes Bill when Parliament returns from summer recess.
It warns that continued inaction is jeopardising both the UK’s smoke-free 2030 goal and the protection of young people from illicit and non-compliant vaping products.
First announced in the King’s Speech and introduced to Parliament in April 2024, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill was hailed as a cornerstone of the Government’s plan to protect future generations from smoking and to crack down on underage vaping. Yet months later, it remains in legislative limbo, with no clear timeline for progress.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, claiming over 75,000 lives each year, VPZ says. Without swift legislative action, this figure is unlikely to decline at the pace required to meet national health objectives.
VPZ also warns that the Government’s current inaction is not only delaying vital public health reforms but also sending a damaging message to both consumers and legitimate businesses. It adds that responsible retailers continue to operate in a regulatory vacuum, with little clarity on upcoming obligations, while bad actors face limited deterrents.
With the summer recess underway, VPZ is urging all MPs to recognise the urgency of the situation and commit to fast-tracking the Bill as soon as Parliament reconvenes.
Jamie Strachan (left), operations director at VPZ, said: “If MPs were serious about protecting public health, helping smokers quit, and stopping youth access to vaping, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill would have been passed by now.
“We’ve heard the soundbites and seen the announcements - but action speaks louder than words, and right now, the inaction is deafening. The delay is embarrassing. Every week wasted means more lives lost to smoking, more families affected by preventable disease, and more young people getting access to illegal, unregulated vape products.
“The Government says it wants to create a smoke-free generation, but how can that be achieved when critical legislation sits idle? What exactly is the holdup?
“With every passing day of delay, we miss another opportunity to take back control of the market, to drive out rogue sellers, to implement much-needed protections for young people, and to support millions of smokers in quitting for good. We urgently need MPs from all parties to step up, put public health first, and deliver the legislation they promised. The clock is ticking, and the cost of delay is measured in lives.”
No comments yet