Leading experts urge ministers to ‘stand firm on tobacco and vape regulations’
Over 1,700 experts urge ministers to resist industry efforts to weaken tobacco and vape regulations.Summary
More than 1,700 health, education and policy experts have signed a letter coordinated by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), urging ministers to “stand firm” against attempts by tobacco and vape manufacturers to weaken proposals aimed at protecting children. The measures, announced in July and out for consultation until Friday, include plain packaging, plain devices, restrictions on flavour descriptions and keeping vapes out of sight in shops. YouGov polling of over 2,100 UK adults found strong public support: 63% back standardising all tobacco products, 79% support banning sweet names, cartoons and bright colours on vape packaging, and 71% support banning child-appealing flavour names. The letter stresses that the views of a vocal minority should not outweigh broad support from the public and professionals. Ash also highlighted loopholes on cigars and cigarillos, which remain exempt from picture health warnings and can be sold with flavours, and noted increased use among 16- to 19-year-olds. Health leaders, including Ash’s Hazel Cheeseman, Professor Steve Turner of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cancer Research UK’s Dr Ian Walker, the King’s Fund’s Sarah Woolnough and NASUWT’s Matt Wrack, called for strong regulation and for the Government to put children’s health first. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the Government will carefully consider all consultation responses.
(Source：The Independent)
