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Published 2025-12-12
Nicotine – a hot topic in British politics
The issue of nicotine products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, has become one of the most debated public health topics in the United Kingdom. The discussion centres on a fundamental conflict: should the state prioritise harm reduction and give adult smokers access to less harmful alternatives, or impose strict restrictions?
In the House of Commons, leading figures from both the Conservative Party and Labour have taken clear positions. The Tories often emphasise that vaping is an effective tool for quitting smoking and warn that excessive regulation could undermine public health goals. As Conservative peer Lord Johnson of Lainston put it:
“We must avoid zealotry. Vaping is a practical alternative that improves health outcomes.”
Labour, on the other hand, is pushing hard to stop marketing, focusing on protecting children and young people. Health Secretary Wes Streeting made it clear:
“This Bill will come down on the vaping industry like a ton of bricks to prevent a new generation from getting hooked on nicotine.”
This reinforces the old misconception that nicotine itself is the main harm, rather than highlighting the deadly effects of smoking.
This tension between harm reduction and protecting young people makes nicotine products a political battleground that touches on public health, personal freedom and the future of the industry.
"There doesn’t need to be a conflict between protecting young people and helping smokers to quit. We can achieve both through effective age verification and clear marketing rules. A regulated market ensures control over product quality and safety, while reducing the risk of underage access. It’s a proven approach that more countries should adopt,”
says Markus Lindblad, Head of Communications at Haypp.com
Diverging Views on a Complex Issue
This is a very complex issue. Even within the parties, opinions differ quite a lot. Here is an excerpt of what some members from the various parties think.
Conservative Party (Tories)
Dr Caroline Johnson
Position: Supports regulation but acknowledges that vapes are less harmful than smoking.
Key idea: Vaping is safer than smoking, but not risk-free. We must ensure testing and compliance to protect consumers.
Jack Rankin (Windsor)
Position: Wants harm reduction exemptions, critical of blanket bans.
Key idea: There is a legitimate and responsible avenue for vaping and nicotine products to offer discounts, especially when partnered with the NHS.
Gregory Stafford (Farnham and Bordon)
Position: Supports advertising restrictions but raises free speech concerns.
Key idea: Advertising restrictions to protect young people, but we must balance public health with freedom of expression.
Labour Party
Wes Streeting (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
Position: Strongly for strict regulation, aims to create a smoke-free generation.
Key idea: This Bill will come down on the vaping industry like a ton of bricks to prevent a new generation from getting hooked on nicotine.
Andrew Gwynne
Position: Critical of child-targeted marketing, supports advertising bans.
Key idea: Under-age vaping has increased by 50%. Packaging and flavours clearly target children, not adults.
Helen Hayes
Position: Wants to stop child-focused branding and advertising.
Key idea: Vaping has shifted from a cessation tool to a recreational activity, driven by aggressive marketing to children.
