British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced his plans to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes to avoid its use by minorsand reiterates the Government’s intention to introduce a law that prevents younger generations from purchasing tobacco.

They have highlighted that there would be restrictions on e-cigarette flavors, a plain packaging requirement and changes to the way e-cigarettes are displayed to make them less attractive to minors.

“Together with our commitment to stopping children turning 15 this year from being legally sold cigarettes, these changes will leave a lasting legacy by protecting the long-term health of our children,” Sunak said in a statement.

Smoking is the main cause of preventable death in Britain, causing one in four cancer-related deaths, around 80,000 a year, as explained by the Government. In October, Sunak announced plans to pass a law that would mean anyone born as of January 1, 2009 he would not be able to buy tobacco during his life.

Although electronic cigarettes are considered key to help people quit smoking, There has been concern that they may be driving nicotine addiction among young people, with 9% of young people aged 11 to 15 currently using them, according to the Government.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) already said in December that all vaping flavors should be banned.

However, industry groups and the UK Vaping Industry Association maintain that vapes pose significantly lower health risks than tobacco, and that flavors were key to encourage smokers to switch.

“I have an obligation to do what I believe is right for our country in the long term,” Sunak said.

“That’s why I’m taking bold steps to ban disposable vapes, which have driven the increase in vaping among young peopleand introduce new powers to restrict flavours, introduce neutral packaging and change the way they are displayed in stores.”

The Government has revealed that, in addition to the health benefits, the ban on disposable electronic cigarettes would help the environmentsince five million are thrown away every week.