What is the Minister's assessment of a study by academics at University College London published in Public Health in January 2024, which recommends regulating the branding of e-cigarettes to prevent them appealing to children?
I am very concerned by the increasing number of young people using vape products and support much stronger restrictions on the industry to prevent these products being marketed to children. I welcome the analysis undertaken by academics at University College London which aimed to establish who would be affected by a ban on disposable vapes. The authors also point to a range of potential measures to reduce disposable vaping products being used by children including prohibiting branding with appeal to children (e.g. bright colours, sweet names, and cartoon characters) across all e-cigarette products and packaging (not just disposables) as well as prohibiting the promotion of e-cigarettes in shops and putting them out of sight and reach of children.
Following a joint four nations consultation on proposals to create a smokefree generation and to tackle youth vaping, the Welsh Government, along with those in the other UK Nations published the consultation outcome document on 29 January. In this document we set out our intention to introduce a Tobacco and Vapes Bill at the earliest opportunity to prevent young people from ever purchasing tobacco. The Bill will also provide powers to regulate vapes, including flavourings, packaging and the placement of these products in shops, with the aim of reducing use of these products by young people. Separately, and in light of the significant environmental concerns around disposable vapes, the Welsh Government, along with the UK and Scottish governments, will bring forward legislation to introduce a ban on disposable vapes. Further details on our plans are provided in my written statement, published on 29 January.
In taking forward these measures, it is extremely important that we take all actions necessary to address tobacco and youth vaping, but in a way that minimises unintended consequences particularly to former smokers because we know that vapes can be useful to some in helping them to quit smoking. Whilst we all share a desire to take action swiftly, my officials are working closely with those in the other UK nations to ensure the legislation we develop is as well designed and as comprehensive as necessary to achieve our objectives.