‘GPs aren’t killjoys, we want to protect patients’ – RCGP responds to Government’s ban on disposable vapes

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, responds to the Government’s proposed legislation to ban the sale and supply of disposable vapes. 

Professor Hawthorne said: "It’s very welcome to see the new government prioritising public health and prevention. While vaping has been seen as a way of encouraging existing smokers to give up, we’ve been increasingly concerned about the impact and influence that disposable vapes are having, particularly on young people and children – some of whom have become dependent on nicotine without ever having smoked.

"Many vapes are being marketed in a way that is very appealing to children with bright colours, sweet flavours and quirky designs resembling highlighter pens.

"The environmental consequences of disposable vape use are also highly concerning, potentially exposing patients to harmful chemicals - or even leading to fires - after they’ve been thrown away.

"GPs are not killjoys, neither do we underestimate how hard it can be for some patients to give up smoking, and now vaping in some cases. GPs and our teams have played a major part in encouraging millions of people to quit the habit and live healthier lives as non-smokers. We must build on the huge progress that has been made towards a smoke free society, protecting patients from an addiction that will eventually have a very serious impact on their health.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.