MPs and tobacco giant unite to urge smokers to switch to e-cigarettes
MESSAGES could soon be inserted into packets of cigarettes urging Britain’s nine million smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives.
MPs want to review a ban preventing such a move – as it would currently be considered as tobacco advertising.
The Commons Science and Technology Committee wants to change what it calls a “regulatory anomaly”, so it can promote healthier options.
In a report, it is claimed that e-cigarettes are overlooked as an aid to stop smoking and should be made available on the NHS. The devices – also known as vapes – are not thought to lead to conventional smoking and do not pose a significant risk of second-hand inhalation.
Around 2.9 million people in the UK use e-cigarettes, with 470,000 using them as an aid to stop smoking.
Tobacco giant Philip Morris International, which makes Marlboro cigarettes, is the first company to say that it wants to encourage traditional smokers to switch products.
Spokeswoman Moira Gilchrist said: “We strongly support the recommendation for the relaxation of regulations that would allow smokers to be informed about the health benefits of alternatives to smoking such as e-cigarettes. This would allow us to insert information about quitting – or switching to smoke-free alternatives.”
Former health minister Norman Lamb – the committee chairman – wants the Government to consider allowing more freedom to advertise e-cigarettes.
Mr Lamb said: “Smoking remains a national health crisis and the Government should be considering innovative ways of reducing the smoking rate. E-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes.
“Concerns that e-cigarettes could be a gateway to conventional smoking, including for young non-smokers, have not materialised.”
Martin Dockrell, of Public Health England, added: “There is good evidence that positive messages on pack inserts can help people quit.”
The Department of Health and Social Care said: “We recognise the evidence surrounding the use of e-cigarettes is evolving. We will carefully consider the recommendations and evidence surrounding the use of inserts into cigarette packages.”