In an address during the Report Stage debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, South Antrim MP and former Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has called for greater clarity on how the legislation will be applied in Northern Ireland, particularly in light of existing EU regulations.
Mr Swann underscored the overwhelming support for the Bill’s measures in Northern Ireland and stressed the need to ensure its full and equal implementation across all parts of the United Kingdom.
Speaking in the debate, Mr Swann highlighted the devastating toll of smoking in Northern Ireland, stating: “Some 2,200 people in Northern Ireland die every year from a smoking-related illness. One in four of our cancer cases is related to smoking.”
He pointed to evidence of widespread public backing for the legislation, noting that while a consultation by the previous UK Government found 62.5% support across the UK, in Northern Ireland this figure rose to an impressive 79%.
Reflecting on his tenure as Health Minister in May 2024, Mr Swann recalled introducing the original legislative consent motion, which garnered cross-party support in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
However, he raised concerns about potential barriers to the Bill’s application due to EU regulations, a point echoed by the North Antrim MP Jim Allister during the debate.
“There was a concern that the law would remain undelivered in Northern Ireland,” he said. “At that stage, I engaged with the then UK Government, and have now engaged with this Government to seek assurances that this lifesaving, life-changing legislation will apply equally and favourably to all parts of our United Kingdom.”
Mr Swann, who has signed new clause 3 of the Bill, expressed hope that the Minister would provide further reinforcement of these assurances within the legislation itself. “I accepted those reassurances as Health Minister but would appreciate reinforcement in this legislation,” he added.
Turning his attention to the growing issue of vaping among young people, the South Antrim MP painted a stark picture of its impact. “According to reports about the Alder Hey clinic, children as young as eight are vaping regularly. Some reportedly cannot get out of bed in the morning before they take their first puff. That is a disgrace,” he said.
Urging MPs to consider the Bill’s importance, he challenged those with doubts: “I encourage anyone in this Chamber who in any way opposes the Bill or thinks that this is not the right thing to do to seriously consider how vaping is impacting our young people across this United Kingdom.”
In his closing remarks, Mr Swann pressed the Minister for concrete commitments, asking: “Can she assure those of us from Northern Ireland who have supported the legislation and worked hard to make sure that it had a four-nations approach that the guidance, support and legal enforcement in the Bill is equally applicable to us in Northern Ireland?”
He emphasised that words alone would not suffice, calling for actionable guarantees to ensure the Bill’s benefits extend fully to Northern Ireland.