Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on measures to tackle the illicit vaping trade.

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues, and Cabinet discussions are considered confidential. The Government is taking action to tackle the illicit vaping trade. On the 11 April 2023, we announced £3 million for a new specialised illicit vaping enforcement squad. This squad will tackle underage vape sales as well as removing illicit products from the market.

National Trading Standards have now begun setting up the operation, gathering intelligence, training staff and bolstering capacity and will begin field work later this year.