Due to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing a general election on July 4th it means some of the proposed legislation has had to be pushed aside.
The period of time between the announcement and the election is called the “Wash Up” period which is short and proposed bills have to be prioritised so they don’t run out of time.
I quote from the Parliament UK website…
“The wash-up period refers to the last few days of a Parliament before dissolution. Any unfinished business is lost at dissolution and the Government may need the co-operation of the Opposition in passing legislation that is still in progress.
In the past some Bills have been lost completely, while others have progressed quickly but in a much-shortened form. The introduction of Fixed-term Parliaments, where General Election dates are more predictable, was expected to make this less likely.”
The parliament as it stands will be dissolved as of today 24th May 2024. Any bills which could not be completed before this are therefore cast aside.
It appears the Tobacco and Vapes bill is one that will not be put through the full process in time and will have to be discarded. You can find the others which are unlikely to be completed in time here in this Guardian Article.
But it is not all good news.
Most of the UK political parties supported the bill, it also has the backing of Scotland and Ireland. So even if we do have a different party in charge in July – there is a chance the bill could rear its ugly head again.
You can refresh yourself on how this bill would have impacted vaping in my article here “UK Tobacco & Vapes Bill 2024 & what it means for vapers“.
To summarise the main objectives of the bill were:
- Create the first ever smokefree generation
- Reduce the appeal and availability of vaping products
- Strengthen enforcement of underage sales of tobacco and vapes
I personally feel we will see this bill again in the future, but it may have amendments which could go against or in favour of vaping.
We will just have to wait and see. But it does give more time for us consumers to be prepared and hopefully rally to get our voices heard.
Responses
Here are some responses from Twitter / X from various people / organisations on both sides of the debate…
The UK Vaping Industry Association is pleased to see that common sense has prevailed and that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will almost certainly not be rushed through the legislative process, prior to the Election.
Since the Bill was announced, the UKVIA has maintained that the… pic.twitter.com/GpARusLt8u
— UKVIA (@Vaping_Industry) May 23, 2024
We need your help! MPs have nearly pushed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through Parliament – but yesterday’s #GeneralElection news has put this in danger.
We’re calling on MPs to pass the Bill in full by the new deadline of tomorrow.
Like and share this to help us demand action 📢 pic.twitter.com/2eQbE6rvqj
— Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) May 23, 2024
Sudden UK Election Shelves Contentious Tobacco and Vapes Bill
It’s been confirmed today that the bill won’t be rushed through before Parliament dissolves.
“We now have a chance to get this right,” THR advocate @Clive_Bates tells @KiranSidhu41: https://t.co/m5lllLtaOo
— Filter | harm reduction journalism (@Filtermag_org) May 23, 2024
The Tobacco & Vapes Bill is vital for the health and wellbeing of our children and is supported by the overwhelming majority of the public. Over 300 Smokefree Action Coalition members urge all Parties to make bringing back the bill a manifesto commitment. #SmokefreeGeneration pic.twitter.com/Eqv3VX4v43
— ASH (@AshOrgUK) May 23, 2024
The Vaping element of that bill wasn’t massively popular Hazel, I repeat that to @DrOwenJackson and @ADMBriggs
The mixed messaging sent to current users and potential switchers from 🚬, along with the ludicrous taxation proposals on nicotine content shouldn’t have been included.— Alan Beard (@Alan_Beard1) May 23, 2024
“The decision to scrap the bonkers generational smoking ban is good news, but taxpayers will fear that it won’t last long.” ✍️
Our response to the smoking ban being kicked into the long grass 👇https://t.co/2osDYfAJfN
— TaxPayers’ Alliance (@the_tpa) May 23, 2024
