An urgent message from Mark Oates, founder of We Vape—we are a community united by a common cause, and today, we need to rally against an impending government measure that could undermine our progress in smoking cessation.
On March 6, during Jeremy Hunt’s budget announcement, a new duty on vaping products was proposed, set to take effect in October 2026. This tax aims to generate £445 million annually to support public services like the NHS. However, the financial burden on vapers will be substantial: prices for the strongest e-liquids (≥11mg/ml) could soar by 143%, while weaker e-liquids (≤11mg/ml) and nicotine-free options may see increases of 98% and 48%, respectively.
For example, a 10ml bottle of 20mg nicotine salt, currently priced at £3.99, will jump to £6.99. This steep rise could deter smokers from switching to a less harmful alternative, potentially driving them back to traditional cigarettes. Moreover, equating vape taxes with tobacco duties suggests a misleading parallel between vaping and smoking—the latter being significantly more harmful.
Public Consultation Is Key—Your voice is crucial. There is an ongoing public consultation until May 29. It’s imperative that we voice our concerns and persuade the government to reconsider these tax hikes. Visit the consultation here and submit your thoughts to [email protected].
Express how these proposed increases could have prevented your switch from smoking to vaping and could adversely affect others. Highlighting the potential impacts on your family during a cost of living crisis is also vital.
Michelle’s Insights—As a seasoned vaper and advocate for tobacco harm reduction, I’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits of vaping over smoking. Since quitting smoking in June 2019, thanks to 20mg nicotine salts, I have experienced significant health improvements. My passion for this cause has driven me to contribute actively to discussions on vaping’s role in tobacco harm reduction.
Join us in this fight—it’s not just about opposing a tax; it’s about standing up for our health and the well-being of future generations who might choose vaping as a safer alternative to smoking. Your participation in the consultation can make a real difference.
