First Minister Humza Yousaf says Scotland could ban disposable vapes

Scotland could ban disposable vapes: First Minister Humza Yousaf says he will ‘take action’ to reduce vaping among children and will hold consultation on ‘outright ban’

• Read more: France set outs to prohibit disposable ‘puffs’ as others crack down

Scotland could ban disposable vapes under First Minister Humza Yousaf as a host of other nations look set to crack down on e-cigarettes.

Following concerns from campaigners about the environmental impact caused by plastic vape tubes being left on the ground and its popularity amongst youngsters – Mr Yousaf said he will ‘take action’.

‘I hear too often about how common vaping is among our young people’, he told the Scottish Parliament. 

‘In the next year we will take action to reduce vaping – particularly among children.

‘I’m pleased to announce that this government will consult on curbing the sale of disposable single-use vapes, including consulting on an outright ban.’ 

First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, pictured on Monday, has said he will ‘take action’ to stop young people smoking disposable vapes

Campaigners have warned about the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are often thrown on the floor [File image]

Earlier this month, the French government vowed to push ahead with its own plans to ban disposable e-cigarettes by the end of 2023 over claims they encourage smoking among young people.

READ MORE Single-use vapes should be BANNED, councils declare: Authorities warn the brightly-coloured gadgets are getting kids hooked on nicotine and are bad for the environment

France’s plans follow the imposition of tough new restrictions on vapes in both Australia and New Zealand, alongside plans put forward by countries including Germany and Ireland to crack down on e-cigarettes.

French prime minister Elisabeth Borne said in an interview with RTL radio on September 3 that the French government is planning to unveil new plans to tackle smoking, which will include a ban on disposable vapes. 

Campaigners have since called on Britain to follow Australia, New Zealand and France’s lead. 

More than 150,000 people have now signed a Greenpeace petition to ban disposable e-cigarettes after Britain’s local councils previously called for a ban on the ‘inherently unsustainable products’ that ‘blight our streets’.

The Local Government Association (LGA) previously urged the UK to take action ‘to protect our planet, keep children safe and save taxpayers money’ as it warned vapes are ‘almost impossible to recycle’ and that they are being marketed to young people.

Elisabeth Borne (pictured), France’s prime minister, said in an interview with RTL radio that the government will soon unveil its new plan to combat smoking, which she said is the cause of 75,000 deaths a year in the country

More than 150,000 people have now signed a Greenpeace petition to ban disposable e-cigarettes [Stock image]

This also comes after it was revealed earlier today that Nitrous oxide will become an illegal Class C drug by the end of the year. 

The substance, also known as ‘hippy crack’, is being targeted with a crackdown following widespread complaints about antisocial behaviour and littering by users.

Suella Braverman said the move was part of attempts to ‘get tougher on flagrant drug taking in the streets’.

Those found in unlawful possession of the drug could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine, and up to 14 years for supply or production. 

Nitrous oxide is the third most used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England, with heavy use linked to anaemia and – in more severe cases – nerve damage or paralysis.

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