The UK vape ban fightback begins with a group of pro vaping MPs calling for the government to take on the WHO with a top team of vapers – scientists and advocates.
You may recall a few weeks ago the anti-vaping zealots at the World Health Organisation, had called for a global ban on all open system vape products – to include refillable tanks and pods as well as drippers.
I wrote at length about that in the article: UK Vape Ban? Nope Just the WHO Being Reckless and Stupid As Usual…
However, and as the UK’s New Nicotine Alliance told me at the time, it wasn’t just sabre rattling from the faceless mandarins at the WHO, there was a clear and present danger to UK vaping as we know it.
Martin Cullip, chair of the NNA told me it was NO empty threat and UK vapers needed to mobilize to fight off the threatened ban adding:
…considering the WHO’s extremely hostile stance towards vaping, and is very likely to be proposed at The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s (FCTC) COP9 in The Hague in November.
It is important that vapers fight developments like this because it is not a scare story, it is true.
It is to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) – the Conference of Parties [COP9] meeting later this year, that UK MPs want to send a team of pro-vaping delegates.
The call comes from the largely pro-vape supportive All-Party Parliamentary Group On Vaping, that has just completed a 4 month long investigation into the workings of the WHO, and in particular, its stance on tobacco harm reduction.
The results of that investigation has led to a Trumpesque call from Viscount Mat Ridley to suggest if the WHO doesn’t stop with its incessant and ridiculous anti-vaping stance, the UK Government should consider:
…dramatically scaling back our funding…
Hear! Hear!
As you can see from the graph – the UK is the second largest global contributor and any reduction in UK funding would severely impact on the WHO’s bottom line – something they really keep a close eye on.
UK Vape Ban Fightback Begins – Send In the Experts!
The final report of the investigation by the APPG for Vaping came out with key recommendations:
- Ensuring the WHO returns to the founding principle of the Treaty which includes harm reduction.
- Restricting any decision to ban vaping and other reduced risk alternatives to smoking.
- Sending experts and consumers to sit alongside the Department of Health & Social Care officials at the multilateral event.
- Establishing a Working Group to look at the science and evidence for new and emerging products.
- Ensuring openness and transparency instead of secretive decision making.
Can’t argue with any of those, and love the fact UK MPs recognize the WHO does indeed engage in secretive decision making – it brings a tear this old blokes eye 😉
No word from prolific WHO sponsor/funder, anti-vaping Czar Little Mike Bloomberg as yet, but I’m sure he’ll be fighting those proposals every step of the way…
Let’s face it, he wouldn’t want to come face to face with those really in the scientific know, rather than the usual emotional piffle he and his anti-vaping mob usually spout.
Is the ‘WHO Even Fit For Purpose?’ Asks UK MP Mark Pawsey!
The committee of UK MPs also say the COP9 event will be the perfect opportunity to set out our stall and bring in comprehensive and sensible vaping regulations in a post TPD Britain.
Mark Pawsey, Member of Parliament for Rugby and Chair of the APPG wonders if the WHO is even ‘fit for purpose‘ – love it!
Adding:
There is no doubt that the WHO has developed a negative stance in relation to vaping over recent years.
We wanted to evaluate whether it remained fit for purpose in an evolved landscape where new technology has enabled new harm reduction strategies.
One of the founding pillars of the Treaty the UK signed up to nearly 20 years ago was that of harm reduction.
If the WHO are opposed to adhering to this and continue to pursue an agenda-driven approach to ban less harmful alternatives to smoking, then the UK should consider dramatically scaling back our funding.
At the FCTC COP9 the UK has a unique opportunity to champion its progressive, successful and evidence-based, domestic policies on the Global Stage.
We are a world leader in tobacco harm reduction, and we call on the Government to defend the UK approach, challenge the WHO to stub out their ban on vaping,and help return the FCTC to its founding pillar of harm reduction.
Interesting, if a little worrying, times for UK vapers to say the least, and of course we’ll keep you updated with any developments.
Until then please throw your weight behind vape advocacy groups here in the UK.
For the vaping industry there’s UKVIA and of course the IBVTA.
For vapers please head over to the most excellent New Nicotine Alliance – membership is free so no excuse lol.
So…
What are your thoughts on the UK Vape Ban Fightback plan?
Are you worried vaping in the UK may be banned or at least severely restricted?
Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
