Labour “Goes To War” On Vaping In The UK…

Just when you thought Keir Starmer couldn’t get any worse, he’s now looking to undo almost everything that has made the UK one of the most progressive nations on the planet with respect to vaping…

The UK government’s new Tobacco and Vapes Bill is sparking intense debate, with many public health experts and advocacy groups concerned about its potential to reverse decades of progress in smoking cessation.

The bill’s proposed restrictions, including flavor bans, increased taxes on vaping products, and limitations on advertising, have raised alarms about their unintended consequences.

A Controversial Turn for Public Health?

Among the most contentious measures is the ban on disposable vapes, which are the go-to option for many trying to quit smoking.

Critics argue that these changes might unintentionally drive people back to cigarettes.

Public health advocate Clive Bates didn’t mince words, calling the legislation “pro-smoking.”

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He emphasized that such restrictive measures could strengthen the cigarette market while undoing harm-reduction efforts.

Statistics from October 2023 show vaping has helped between 50,000 and 70,000 people in England quit smoking annually—a significant dent in smoking-related deaths.

The fear is that these numbers could dwindle under the new policies.

Flavors, Myths, and Missteps

One of the bill’s standout measures is the proposed ban on flavored vaping products. For many, flavored vapes are a less harmful alternative to smoking, especially for young adults.

Studies suggest bans on flavors often lead to increased smoking rates among adolescents—a troubling side effect for a policy intended to protect public health.

Public Health England reported that smoking e-cigarettes is 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco [1]. Perhaps the e-cigarette is a more pleasant means of nicotine consumption than other nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as skin plasters with nicotine or nicotine chewing gum – National Library of Medicine

Adding fuel to the fire, the bill seems to exacerbate widespread misconceptions about vaping.

Bernice Evans, chair of the New Nicotine Alliance (NNA), pointed out that misinformation about vaping’s safety is already leading some to believe it’s as harmful as smoking.

This trend is particularly worrying as it has been linked to vapers returning to cigarettes.

Targeting Vulnerable Groups

The bill’s prohibition on vape vending machines in hospitals and mental health facilities has also come under scrutiny.

These places often use vaping as part of smoking cessation programs, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Removing this accessibility could disrupt patients’ progress in quitting smoking—a major blow to harm-reduction efforts.

Advocacy groups like the NNA are urging policymakers to reconsider.

They argue the bill could lead to more smoking-related illnesses and deaths, and they want the government to take responsibility for these potential outcomes.

Wrapping Up…

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a pivotal moment for the UK’s public health strategy. But it proves once again that Starmer and his party are completely out of whack with the rest of the country.

This law, should it come into effect, will have huge implications for thousands of stores and businesses throughout the UK. Adults will have reduced access to safer alternatives to smoking.

To make matters even more confusing, the NHS actually has an entire page dedicated to debunking some of the myths about vaping that have been propagated by special interests in the USA.

And now Starmer is using the same playbook as these stooges in the US to do the same thing in the UK? You honestly could not make this stuff up.

While supporters of the bill claim it’s a necessary step to safeguard younger generations (notice how similar this rhetoric is to what was used in the USA), critics argue the risks far outweigh the rewards.

Whether these measures will reduce harm or lead to a resurgence in smoking remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this debate is far from over. And when Keir Starmer (and his deep, deep ties to the WEF) is concerned, all bets are off.

My advice? Stock up now. Winter’s coming…