Harm Reduction For The Rich
The United Kingdom risks becoming a harm reduction country only for the wealthy, according to Michael Landl of the World Vapers’ Alliance
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by Dave Cross
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Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, expressed grave concerns regarding the government's direction: “It appears that in a bid to generate additional tax revenue, the UK government is willing to compromise the health of thousands of smokers. This is yet another step in the wrong direction.
“By making less harmful alternatives to smoking more expensive, the government is effectively deterring smokers from making the switch. This measure will disproportionately affect the less affluent and exacerbate health inequalities, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
The World Vapers’ Alliance says that statistical evidence supports the disproportionate impact of smoking on lower socio-economic groups.
The Alliance says: “In 2021, the Office for National Statistics highlighted a stark disparity in smoking prevalence related to economic status in the UK. Unemployed individuals reported a significantly higher smoking rate (25.7%) compared to those in paid employment (13.3%).
“Furthermore, in England, a pronounced smoking prevalence was observed in the most deprived neighbourhoods (23.8%) in contrast to the least deprived (6.8%).”
Landl further criticised the government’s proposed bans on disposable vapes and generational restrictions on Heat-Not-Burn products, stating, “Along with the proposed tax increases, these bans will only serve to transform the UK from a leader in tobacco harm reduction into a haven for black market activities.”
The World Vapers’ Alliance says that it is urging the United Kingdom government to reconsider these measures, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritises public health and supports smokers in transitioning to less harmful alternatives.
The World Vapers’ Alliance says it “amplifies the voices of vapers worldwide and empowers them to make a difference for their communities.”
It continues: “Our members are vapers associations as well as individual vapers from all over the world. More information on www.worldvapersalliance.com.”
Michael Landl is the director of the World Vapers’ Alliance. He is from Austria and is based in Vienna. He is an experienced policy professional and a passionate vaper. He studied at the University of St. Gallen and worked for several public policy outlets and as well in the German Parliament.
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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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