The South Belfast MLA has said: “The UK Government’s clarification that it intends to ban the sale of disposable vapes in England essentially means that a ban will apply across the whole of Great Britain imminently. With that in mind, it is crucial that Northern Ireland does not become a straggler here, and I am aware that the Department of Health already has legislation prepared to introduce a similar ban.
“The overall objective must be for a smoke-free Northern Ireland. There is no question that vaping is detrimental to health, as well as to the environment in terms of the impact of disposable vapes, and that vaping should only be potentially viable as an aid to help people off cigarettes.
“This only reinforces the need to have an Assembly back and acting swiftly, so that legislation can be urgently progressed with the aim of protecting our long-term health.”