Read articles from United Kingdom

March 05, 2024 by londonlovesbusiness.com

The UK government, led by PM Rishi Sunak, plans to raise taxes on vaping and cigarettes, causing concern among consumers. The World Vapers’ Alliance criticizes the move, warning it could harm smokers' health and worsen inequalities. Evidence shows smoking rates are higher among lower-income groups. Proposed bans on vaping products may encourage black market activities. The Alliance calls for a balanced approach focusing on public health and helping smokers switch to safer alternatives.

February 29, 2024 by standard.co.uk

More than half of smokers in England wrongly believe that vaping is more or as harmful as smoking, according to a major study. Researchers at University College London surveyed 28,393 smokers in England between 2014 and 2023. They found that public perceptions of vapes had worsened considerably over the past decade, with an increase in the perceived harm of e-cigarettes since 2021.

February 29, 2024 by miragenews.com

A study by UCL researchers reveals many English smokers mistakenly view vaping as harmful as smoking, possibly due to miscommunication. Public perceptions of e-cigarettes have worsened since 2021, despite their lower health risks compared to smoking. The decline may discourage smokers from switching to e-cigarettes for harm reduction. Young people's increased vaping adds to concerns, with misperceptions potentially leading to smoking initiation. The study calls for better communication on the benefits of e-cigarettes for smokers.

February 29, 2024 by independent.co.uk

Smokers' misconceptions about vapes being more harmful than cigarettes may deter quit attempts, as a UK survey shows a significant increase in this belief since 2014. Despite evidence showing e-cigarettes can aid quitting, many now view them as equally harmful. Concerns have risen following vaping-related lung disease cases. Experts emphasize the importance of correcting these misperceptions to enable informed decisions on nicotine products. Lack of awareness about smoking's dangers among youth is also highlighted. Efforts to educate the public on the relative risks of vaping versus smoking are crucial for public health.

February 29, 2024 by euronews.com

Vaping, while not without risks, is deemed less harmful than smoking by the UK's NHS. However, many smokers mistakenly believe vaping is as harmful or worse than smoking, potentially deterring them from switching to e-cigarettes. Research shows a concerning trend where misconceptions of vaping being as harmful as smoking are increasing among the public, possibly influenced by past incidents in the US. The NHS advises that vaping is significantly safer than smoking and is recommended for adults trying to quit. Concerns also arise about the appeal of vaping to young people, prompting the UK to ban certain vape products due to their popularity among youths.

February 29, 2024 by bbc.com

Fewer smokers in England now see vaping as less harmful than cigarettes, despite evidence tobacco is far worse for health and e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, data suggests. Perceptions are shifting, according to survey responses from more than 28,000 current smokers between 2014 and 2023. The latest round of results found 57% thought vaping just as harmful as smoking or more so. Ideally, people should neither vape nor smoke, the NHS says.

February 28, 2024 by capx.co

Jeremy Hunt is reportedly planning to introduce a tax on vape fluid. Critics argue this punishes consumers for not smoking, contradicting the UK's previous evidence-based vaping policy. Taxing e-cigarettes could lead to an increase in cigarette sales, undermining public health and contradicting the government's anti-smoking efforts. While Hunt aims to discourage smoking by raising tobacco taxes, the illicit tobacco trade is flourishing due to high prices. Public opinion on vaping and tobacco policies could impact future elections. The proposal to tax vapes may further alienate voters.

February 23, 2024 by bbc.com

The sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland could be banned by 1 April next year. It follows a UK-wide consultation last year, with the date agreed by the devolved governments and Westminster. The draft legislation - which is open for consultation until 8 March - is being taken forward in Scotland using powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The age limit for buying tobacco would also change under UK government plans.

February 20, 2024 by express.co.uk

Rishi Sunak's proposal for a single-use vape ban to curb youth vaping has drawn criticism due to the ineffectiveness of similar measures in Australia. The Australian black market for vapes has boomed despite bans, leading to safety concerns. Theo Foukkare highlights the failure of prohibition and advocates for regulated sales to adults. In response, Sunak emphasizes the need to protect children from addiction and health risks. Labour's consideration of a prescription-only policy for vapes, based on Australia's approach, raises concerns about straining the NHS with additional consultations.

February 14, 2024 by vice.com

Take a stroll down London’s Oxford Street and, amongst the American Candy Shops and high-end retailers, you’re bound to find a man attempting to flog a pack of disposable vapes. Sold pretty much anywhere – from local off-licences to barber shops, nightclubs and tanning salons, the list goes on – Britain’s streets have become inundated with these brightly coloured, highly addictive sticks of plastic. It's a big problem, affecting both our health and the environment. According to data from the environmental campaign group Material Focus, approximately five million disposable vapes are discarded each week in the UK.