Over one million illicit vapes were seized by Trading Standards last year as MPs prepare to vote on a major industry crackdown today. Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that an entire generation of kids will suffer 'a life imprisoned by addiction' unless the MPs approve landmark smoking restrictions. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will prevent anyone born after January 2009 from ever being able to legally buy cigarettes.
The bill will include a ban on bright packaging and flavors like bubble gum, gummy bear, and cotton candy designed to attract young people. Excessive amounts of the stimulant in vapes, which can be reached faster by children, can cause heart palpitations, dizziness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is aimed at protecting children and young people from a life imprisoned by addiction. National Trading Standards chair Lord Michael Bichard stated, 'The reality is that further action is necessary to remove more illegal and, in many cases, dangerous products from sale.' Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said, 'This shows just how many illegal and harmful vapes are on our streets, putting consumers and children at risk.' Meanwhile, campaign group Forest found that 60% of respondents thought 18-year-olds should be allowed to buy cigarettes if they can vote and buy alcohol. Director Simon Clark argued that a generational ban on the sale of tobacco is unnecessarily divisive and will create a two-tier society