The UK government has said it will ban e-cigarettes from the country’s railways, with a spokeswoman saying: “We want to protect the health of our citizens and ensure that the UK has the best-regulated tobacco products available to us.”
In response to the news, the UK’s National Smoking and Health Alliance (NSHA) said it was “concerned” about the move.
“We strongly urge the government to do the right thing and withdraw this ban,” said NSHA chief executive Simon Williams.
He added: “As the UK is the world leader in tobacco control, this move would undermine our commitment to tobacco control and increase the number of young people choosing to start smoking.”
The NSHHA welcomes any government move to limit the use of e-cigarette products, and we are keen to work with the Government to ensure this is done in a way that respects the health and wellbeing of young children and young adults.”
E-cigarettes are nicotine-based devices that contain nicotine, flavouring and a nicotine-free nicotine concentrate.
However, they can also be used as an alternative to cigarettes, which are known as “light” or “medium” tobacco.
Ease of use is another factor which has been criticised by some campaigners.
In November last year, a petition calling for a ban on the products was signed by more than 15,000 people.
The petition was started by the UK Anti-Cigarette Coalition and had over 2.5 million signatures by the end of October. More:
