The government has set it its plan to create a smoke-free generation and launched a public consultation on youth vaping in an attempt to crack down on vapes being promoted to children.

People of all ages are invited to take part in the consultation, which includes proposals to restrict child-friendly flavours and bright coloured packaging.

The consultation will be open for eight weeks.

The government is also seeking views on plans to create a smoke-free generation, which were announced last week. These proposals include making it an offence for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 to be sold tobacco products; restricting the flavours and descriptions of vapes so that vape flavours are no longer targeted at children; and regulating vape packaging and product presentation, ensuring that neither the device nor its packaging is targeted to children.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: "Last week I promised to create the first smokefree generation and I am wasting no time to deliver on that promise.

"Our ambitious plans will reverse the worrying rise in youth vaping while protecting our children from the dangerous long-term effects of smoking as quickly as possible."

Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: "There has been a surge in vaping amongst children, which is why we’re taking action to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes. Vapes should never be used by children and we’re committed to reversing this trend.

"We also need to take bold action to protect future generations from the harms of smoking addiction, which damages health at every stage of life and costs the economy billions."

Image by tomkohhantsuk from Pixabay