More than one in ten ex-smokers who vape could relapse under Rishi Sunak's plan ... trends now
More than one in ten ex-smokers who switched to vapes could relapse under plans to restrict flavours, according to the Government's own impact assessment.
The Department of Health highlighted research which estimated that 13 per cent of ex-smokers who vape could go back to cigarettes if flavours were not available.
Rishi Sunak's hotly-contested proposal last night cleared its first hurdle. MPs voted by 383 to 67 to back the 'mad' ban.
Under the bill, anyone born after 2009 won't be able to buy tobacco. This means children aged 15 or younger today will never legally be sold a cigarette in England.
Vapes are also expected to be limited to four flavours, sold in plain, tobacco-style packaging and displayed out of sight of kids as part of the same crackdown.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 2023 health report showed 12.7 per cent of Brits over the age of 15 smoke cigarettes daily, far higher than the US and New Zealand, the latter of which recently introduced a similar phased smoking ban
Under the bill, anyone born after 2009 won't be able to buy tobacco. This means children aged 15 or younger today will never legally be sold a cigarette in England. Vapes are also expected to be limited to four flavours, sold in plain, tobacco-style packaging and displayed out of sight of kids as part of the same crackdown
Currently vapes are sold in colourful packaging and in flavours such as cotton candy, which campaigners say appeal to children.
However, critics and MPs opposed to 'nanny-state' measures worry the PM's flagship policy for a 'smoke-free generation' will backfire.
In its impact assessment, the Government said the 13 per cent figure was likely to be an 'upper limit'.
But, referencing research by Bristol University, it highlighted estimates that 'four per cent of smokers quit because of vapes, and 33 per cent of smokers stated that they would not quit and/or smoke more if flavours were not available'.
The impact assessment added: 'For ex-smokers, it was estimated that 13 per cent of ex-smokers vape and 13 per cent of these ex-smokers would relapse if flavours were not available.'
The assessment said the Bristol University decision aid tool is 'based on a scenario where only three flavours remain on the market'.
These were: unflavoured, tobacco, and menthol.
The impact assessment continued: 'The impact on smokers quitting and ex-smokers relapsing would be lower if fewer flavours were restricted.
'Secondly, there are other quit aids that smokers could try, such as other nicotine replacement therapies.'
Mr Sunak's bold proposals have long been criticised as 'illiberal' by critics.
Some fear that health chiefs may eye up crackdowns on sugar, caffeine and alcohol next, calling the move a 'slippery slope'.
Vocal nay-sayers include ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage and former PM Boris Johnson, who has labelled the ban 'mad' and 'absolutely nuts'.
Fifty nine Tory MPs — including six Government ministers — last night opposed the plans.
Among them included Kemi Badenoch, Steve Baker and ex-Cabinet
