Swann welcomes Government reassurance that Northern Ireland will be included in Tobacco and Vapes Bill

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed a formal commitment from the Government that Northern Ireland will be fully included in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill following a robust debate in the House of Commons.

Speaking in the House, Mr Swann, a former Health Minister, argued that the legislation is a common-sense move for the health of the United Kingdom. The former Health Minister sought specific clarity on the UK-wide application of the Bill.

During the debate, Mr Swann told the House:

"Very little has changed between what was debated when this legislation was proposed by the last Government and what is before us now, because it is the right thing to do. It is the common-sense thing to do for the health of the entirety of our nation.

"I remember having those conversations with... Dame Andrea Leadsom, who was passionate about what the Bill would bring about. She was receiving the same advice as I was from chief medical officers across the nation about how the cessation of smoking across generations would dramatically change not just health, but the economic standing of many families.

"In respect of that four-nation approach, I seek reassurance again from the Government that the Bill will apply equally in Northern Ireland and all parts of the nation."

The Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Sharon Hodgson confirmed that the Government is content that the measures are compatible with international obligations and that the European Commission has now noted the UK’s response.

Responding to Mr Swann, the Minister stated:

"The Bill is UK-wide and has been developed in close partnership with the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. We are content that the measures in the Bill, which are intended to apply to Northern Ireland, are compatible with the obligations under the Windsor framework.

"The Government have provided a comprehensive response... which explains why the smokefree generation policy complies with EU law as it applies under the Windsor framework, and the European Commission has now responded, noting our response."

Commenting after the debate, the South Antrim MP said:

"I am pleased that the Minister was able to provide such a clear update regarding the European Commission. The fact that the notification process has concluded gives us the certainty we need that Northern Ireland will move in lockstep with the rest of the country.

"We also have seen a strange situation where the DUP MPs previously opposed the Bill in Westminster while their MLA colleagues supported it in Stormont. My position has remained consistent since my time as Health Minister. This is about protecting young people from the harms of tobacco and tackling the marketing of vapes aimed at children."