Labour accused of making up examples of 9-year-olds vaping to justify e-cigs crackdown
LABOUR has been caught planting “made up” questions about 9-year-olds taking up vaping – to help justify their smoking and vapes crackdown.
A series of scripted statements were circulated among their MPs in time for the smoking debate ahead of a crunch vote last night .
The backbenchers appear to have been urged to say they have personal experience of the harms – despite them being drafted by officials.
The dossier was revealed as MPs debated the government’s smoking and vapes ban on Tuesday evening.
One “suggested intervention” is: “I’ve been speaking to primary school head teachers in [constituency] who have shared with me that children as young as 9 have taken up vaping.
“Does the Minister agree with me that it is high time that we cracked down on brightly coloured, fruit flavoured, cheaply available vapes being marketed at our children?”
The scripted questions were circulated in a briefing note – seen by The Sun – and drafted by Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s advisers.
While it appears no Labour MP made that specific statement, the pressure by the party for them to do so sparked anger.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said: “Labour is forcing its MPs to make up fake questions.
“It is a reflection of the low quality of their MPs that they cannot be trusted to write their own questions.”
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill yesterday sailed through its first Commons hurdle by 415 votes to 47.
It will prevent anyone born after January 2009 from ever being able to legally buy fags.
Measures designed to stop children vaping will include a ban on bright packaging and flavours like bubble gum, gummy bear and cotton candy designed to lure youngsters.
The legislation will further prohibit vapes being sold in vending machines or handed out for free, as well as a blanket ban on the e-cigs being advertised.
Suppliers caught selling vapes to children will be slapped with on-the-spot £200 fines.
The Bill will also ban smoking outside parks, hospitals and schools – but pub gardens will be exempt after a massive hospitality backlash.
The Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman said the government was “proud of its landmark legislation”.