Split Decision in Wales
Welsh ministers fail to agree on ecig regulation
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by Dave Cross
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Ten Welsh politicians sit on the committee; the five Labour members all refused to accept any of the facts placed before them or take on board the evidence given by experts. Despite hearing all of the benefits conferred by vaping, the absence of real harm and even the findings of their own health survey failing to identify a gateway effect – they still voted in favour of Drakeford’s proposals. To this day they still resolutely cling onto the daft notion that vaping re-normalises smoking.
The plans to ban the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public places left ministers "unable to reach a consensus view", according to David Rees. Unable to find consensus thanks to the other five members sticking to the findings that vaping presents a golden opportunity to aid smokers in quitting the habit. Drakeford’s proposals to institute a ban in public areas would have had the effect of hiding vaping away from the public and making smokers less aware of the opportunities. Worse, it ran the risk of putting some vapers off and forcing them to return to cigarettes.
“The evidence presented to the committee has been clear that this ban would have an adverse impact on the health of vapers, many of whom use e-cigs as a tool to give up smoking,” said Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. “I’m confused as to how Labour have come to a completely opposing view from the same evidence. Forcing vapers outside to use their e-cigs with tobacco smokers will subject them to passive smoke, making the task of those who are vaping in order to give up smoking much more difficult.”
Any proposal by the Labour Welsh government relies on the support of opposition members, as it does not have an outright majority. Although Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru suggested a watered down version, no mention of electronic cigarettes featured in the report’s recommendations.
Does this mean the battle has been won?
Not really. By sticking to party lines, Drakeford and Labour will be hoping they can do a deal in order for the bill to pass – and will rely on the universal support for the measures contained in it relating to body piercing. Consequently it is vital for vapers to maintain the pressure on Welsh ministers in the lead up to the vote in order to sway them into opposing or amending the bill to remove the stipulations on electronic cigarettes.
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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