Open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in support of proposals on tobacco, vape and nicotine product packaging, appearance and display

Dear Secretary of State,

We are writing to express our strong support for the Government's proposals on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products. These measures are evidence-based, proportionate and essential for protecting children from tobacco and nicotine product marketing.

New data commissioned from YouGov by ASH during the consultation period shows strong public support for extending tobacco packaging laws. This data is currently under embargo and will be added when the letter is published.

Data from the annual ASH/YouGov Smokefree GB survey shows that the British public overwhelmingly supports further regulation of tobacco and vaping products:

• Making Britain a country where no one smokes: 67% support vs 14% opposed.
• Banning names of sweets, cartoons, and bright colours on vapes packaging: 79% support vs 5% opposed.
• Banning child-appealing vape flavour names: 71% support vs 6% opposed.

The consultation rightly acknowledges that vaping is less harmful than smoking and can be effective in helping adult smokers quit. However, there is a clear and urgent need to reduce the appeal of vapes and other nicotine products to children.

We urge the Government to reject the coordinated efforts of tobacco and vape manufacturers to weaken these proposals and preserve their ability to market products to children. Tobacco companies have demonstrated that any loophole will be exploited for commercial gain, as with the introduction of menthol cigarillos following the ban on menthol cigarettes. We must not make the same mistake again.

The Government was given a clear mandate by both the electorate and Parliament to protect children from tobacco and nicotine products. The views of a vocal minority should not outweigh the overwhelming support for these measures among the public and health and education professionals.

We call on the Government to proceed with the proposals in full and send a clear message that public health, not industry interests, will determine the regulation of tobacco and nicotine products.