U.K. ministers are reportedly considering introducing a new tax on vaping products to deter their use as part of a broader effort to curb the popularity of e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking. The government is also considering imposing new regulations on packaging, marketing, and flavorings to reduce the use of vapes among children. The proposals, which do not include a ban on disposable vapes, could potentially result in a constitutional clash with the Scottish government if such a ban is imposed in Scotland.
The proposals are in response to the Khan review, which was published in 2022 and looked at ways the British government could make England smoking-free before 2030. The government’s response is expected to be published in the spring and may include new legislation to address the rising use of vapes among young people.
Regulations and Taxation
The U.K. government has strong regulations in place to prevent children from vaping, including restrictions on sales to people over 18, limitations on nicotine content, refill bottle and tank sizes, and labeling requirements. Advertising for e-cigarettes and their components is prohibited from featuring anything likely to be of particular appeal to people under the age of 18, such as characters or celebrities. Despite these measures, the rate of vaping among children has doubled in the last couple of years, according to England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.
In addition to regulations, the government is now considering a tax on vaping products as part of its broader efforts to deter their use. This tax would make vaping products more expensive and less attractive to users.
Constitutional Clash
While the U.K. government is not expected to impose an all-out ban on disposable vapes, the devolved Scottish government has said it will consider one. This could potentially result in a constitutional clash between the governments in Westminster and Holyrood. According to the U.K.’s Internal Market Act, Holyrood could ban the manufacture and sale of vaping products in Scotland but would still have to allow them to cross the border from England.
The SNP’s Scotland spokesperson at Westminster, Philippa Whitford, has said that this situation illustrates why the Internal Market Act undermines devolution. The constitutional issue of whether it will be possible to impose a ban on vaping products in Scotland, while still allowing them to be sold in England, is a complicated one that could have significant political implications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the U.K. government is considering new regulations and a tax on vaping products to discourage their use, particularly among children. The government recognizes the benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation aid but is also concerned about the risks it poses to developing minds. While the government is not considering a ban on disposable vapes, the devolved Scottish government has indicated that it will consider such a ban, which could lead to a constitutional clash between Westminster and Holyrood.
FAQs
What is the Khan review?
The Khan review was published in 2022 and looked at whether the British government could make England smoking-free before 2030.What regulations are in place to prevent children from vaping?
The U.K. government has strong regulations in place to prevent children from vaping, including restrictions on sales to people over 18, limitations on nicotine content, refill bottle and tank sizes, and labeling requirements.Why is the U.K. government considering a tax on vaping products?
The U.K. government is considering a tax on vaping products to deter their use, particularly among children.What is the constitutional issue between Westminster and Holyrood over vaping products?
If the devolved Scottish government imposes a ban on vaping products, it could lead to a constitutional clash between Westminster and Holyrood because under the U.K.’s Internal Market Act, Holyrood could ban the manufacture and sale of vaping products in Scotland but would still have to allow them to be sold in England.What are the benefits and risks of vaping?
Vaping has been shown to be an effective smoking cessation aid for adults. However, there are concerns about the potential risks it poses to developing minds and the increased use of vapes among children.
