Swann Welcomes Four Nation Approach to Tackling Tobacco and Vapes

During a Commons debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, South Antrim MP Robin Swann voiced his support for the introduction of the Bill.

During the debate, Mr Swann pointed to his time as Health Minister and his role in ensuring this Bill applies to Northern Ireland:

“I worked at pace to persuade Executive and Assembly colleagues to extend the provisions of the Bill to Northern Ireland.

“It was only right and proper that the profound public health benefits were also given the opportunity to extend to Northern Ireland…

“Whilst I’m glad of the support many of the measures have across Northern Ireland, we also need to remain mindful that if passed this Bill will also be a literal lifesaver for decades to come.”

The former Health Minister also highlighted the devasting impact that smoking and tobacco use has:

“Sadly, tobacco use causes over 2,200 deaths in Northern Ireland each and every year. That’s a harrowing statistic.

“Tobacco use is a leading cause of health inequalities in Northern Ireland. It is a tragedy – but an avoidable one - that the lung cancer incidence rate in the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland is around two and a half times the rate seen in the least deprived areas.”

Under the arrangements of the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland is under unique regulations on the sale of tobacco. On this, Mr Swann added:

“I do acknowledge however, that this Bill – just as was the case for its predecessor – is complicated by our somewhat messy post-Brexit arrangements.

“Yet despite the best efforts of some within the tobacco industry to cast doubt, I am really reassured that the UK Government continues to believe provisions of the Bill are still entirely consistent with the Windsor Framework.”

Robin Swann concluded with the importance of a four-nations approach to securing a ‘smoke-free generation’ and the role of the NI Assembly will play if this Bill is successful:

“I hope this Bill succeeds, and I hope that it can progress with the full support of the four UK nations.

“The Assembly at home will also importantly once again have a democratic say via a legislative consent motion. It is my sincere hope that both MP colleagues here, and Assembly colleagues in Stormont, remain supportive of the new and enhanced Bill.”