The multi-billion dollar global e-cigarettes industry is ‘undermining decades of tobacco control gains’.

That was the message from doctors at the BMA annual representative meeting who urged the Government to recognise a new ‘public health emergency’ – and to introduce standardised plain packaging, restrict display and marketing of products and implement an NHS vaping cessation pathway.

Doctors also demanded that any business whose primary income derives from nicotine products to be subject to the World Health Organization’s FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control), which requires robust measures to reduce global tobacco usage.

Gateshead GP Samuel Parker proposed the motion, which was passed. He said: ‘Recreational vaping and nicotine use has become increasingly accepted and detached from the taboo of smoking itself. This is a multi-billion-dollar global industry undermining decades of tobacco-control gains.

‘WHO has expressed particular concern about e-cigarette and nicotine product marketing aimed at younger users; with flavourings, packaging and branding deliberately designed to appeal to children and adolescents. Frequently these resemble confectionery, cosmetics or fashion accessories.’

Dr Parker added: ‘Evidence suggests that standardising vapes may reduce young people's desire to experiment with them.

‘We know from tobacco control that standardisation and plain packaging reduce the appeal of products to young people. There is no compelling reason why nicotine products should be treated differently.

‘The UK has the opportunity, through the Tobacco and Vapes legislation to provide a clear timetable for restrictions on advertising, promotion and display before another generation becomes addicted.’

The motion, which was passed in its entirety, also demanded the implementation of a tax levy on profits made by the nicotine industry.

Dr Parker said: ‘A levy targeting industry profits, rather than increasing costs for patients who are already addicted and disproportionately drawn from lower socio-economic groups, would provide sustainable funding for independent research, public health initiatives and specialist NHS smoking and vaping cessation services that patients increasingly need.’

Young at risk

Dr Parker added: ‘We spent decades tackling the tobacco epidemic. We should not stand by while nicotine dependence is repackaged, rebranded and renormalised for a new generation.'

Professor David Strain, BMA board of science chair, and Heather Grimbaldeston, BMA public health medicine committee chair, said: ‘Doctors are increasingly concerned by the impact of vaping and nicotine addiction on public health, particularly among children and young people.

'While e-cigarettes can play a role in helping smokers quit, their widespread marketing and promotion risk creating a new generation dependent on nicotine.

‘Today's vote sends a clear message that the Government must not lose momentum. Building on the success of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, including tighter controls on advertising and marketing, standardised packaging, and better support for people looking to overcome nicotine dependence.

‘Preventing nicotine addiction and reducing smoking-related harm must remain a public health priority, and we urge the Government to act accordingly.’