Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he will include measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to ensure that vapes remain easily accessible as a smoking cessation tool.

Our position on vapes is clear, that they can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, but that they are not recommended for non-smokers or children, and there are legitimate concerns about the unknown long-term harms from vaping.

Following the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, adult smokers will still be able to access vapes as well as other alternative methods to stop smoking. Vapes are commonly used alongside behavioural support within local Stop Smoking Services, helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives.

In addition, we remain committed to our national Swap to Stop scheme, supporting adult smokers to swap cigarettes for vapes under a new national scheme, the first of its kind in the world.