Every day, millions of single-use e-cigarettes pose a danger to young people, animals and the environment.
Dr Neil Hudson MP welcomed the RSPCA and the Marine Conservation Society to Parliament where they hosted an event championing the Conservative Government's announcement of a forthcoming ban on disposable vapes.
Five million single-use e-cigarettes are thrown away every week, and many of them end up as litter in our environment, our rivers and seas where they can cause harm to animals and marine life. These vapes contain materials and poisonous substances which can be hazardous to animals including plastic, lithium and nicotine.
With his animal health and welfare background, veterinary MP Dr Hudson regularly works closely charities such as the RSPCA and the Marine Conservation Society.
Moreover, Dr Hudson has spearheaded Parliament's campaign to ban disposable vapes to protect young people's health, domestic and wild animals, and the Environment. You can read more about the importance of the ban and all his work to ban disposable vapes here: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-celebrates-campaign-win-disposable-vape-ban-protect-young-people-and
The RSPCA says the announcement will help "create a better world for every animal".
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Having had to prise a disposable vape out of my own dog's mouth, I have joined constituents in their upset at these disposable vapes that have begun to litter our landscapes, streets and waterways in recent years.
"That is why I was so proud to welcome the RSPCA and the Marine Conservation Society to Parliament where we were met with such strong cross-party support for banning these dangerous and polluting disposable vapes throughout the nation."
Research from Material Focus* suggests the number of disposable vapes being discarded each week has increased to five million - with three percent of UK vapers - including eight percent of 16-18 year olds - admitting they drop single-use vapes on the ground.
An RSPCA survey - part of its #VexedAboutVapes campaign - showed 94% of respondents supported a ban on disposable vapes.
RSPCA Public Affairs Manager Harriet Main added:
“We’re really pleased that Dr Neil Hudson MP hosted our event to pledge support about how he can help make a ban on disposable vapes a reality.
“Too many single-use vapes are simply being tossed away in our communities, putting animals needlessly at risk; they could ingest the liquid from discarded, disposable vapes; while strewn devices can also impact habitats.
“We are calling on MPs to ensure the UK Government follows through on its announcement to introduce legislation to put an end to these polluting and dangerous items, which will be such an important move as we all strive to create a better world for every animal. Without action, animals remain at risk from carelessly discarded disposable vapes.”
