Could UK change the world ’ s mind on thoughtful vaping regulation ?
The UK will have an “ incredible opportunity ” later this year to spread the word globally that sensitive regulation of vaping can be a lifesaver , members of the Westminster parliament have been told .
John Dunne , director-general of the UK Vaping Industry Association ( UKVIA ), told an All-Party Parliamentary Group ( APPG ) that Britain can use the ninth Conference of the Parties ( COP9 ) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ( WHO FCTC ) in the Netherlands in November to put that case more strongly than ever .
“ A robust , evidence-based approach from the UK can defend the gains we have made domestically , empower positive change internationally and
reduction ,” Dunne said at an APPG hearing .
He urged the MPs not to be complacent about the UK ’ s record on harm reduction and and warned that regressive , prohibition-style strategies , which remain prominent internationally , could undo all that has been achieved so far .
The APPG is conducting an inquiry into how COP9 – postponed from last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic – may affect domestic legislation , particularly around smoking cessation and the UK government ’ s target of a “ smoke-free ” society by 2030 .
The group is analysing the previous meeting , COP8 , held in Geneva in 2018 , its objectives for reducedrisk products , and what new proposals may be forthcoming this time around . It is also looking into the transparency and accountability of COP9 , how the agenda is set , and whether countries are consulted appropriately .
“ The hope is that the UK delegation to COP9 will press the UK ’ s case to other parties and seek
health and consumer perspective towards vaping ,” an APPG spokesperson told ECigIntelligence .
In a submission to the APPG , the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organisations ( INNCO ) shared its “ grave concerns ” about the treatment of lower-risk nicotine products by the WHO , and the FCTC ’ s “ refusal to recognize harm reduction principles to lower the disease and premature death caused by use of high-risk forms of tobacco such as combustible cigarettes and certain forms of toxic oral tobacco products ”.
of “ commercial marketing ” and suggested the WHO should develop guidelines on how to convey information accurately within limitations on where and how it can be displayed .
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