Robin Walker MP has welcomed the Government's ban on disposable vapes.

The MP for Worcester voiced his approval for the measure, which is aimed at safeguarding children’s health and curbing plastic pollution.

Mr Walker confirmed his backing for the ban in his role as chairman of the Education Select Committee.

He said: "While it is already illegal for under-18s to purchase these nicotine products, cheap disposable vapes represent a clear and present threat to the health of children."

"Additionally, on many of the school visits where I am talking to young people, they are sharing their concerns about the future of the environment, and that disposable vapes are a major contributor to this waste.”

Latest figures from charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) show a rise in underage vaping, rising from 4.1 per cent in 2020 to 7.6 per cent amongst 11 to 17-year-olds.

ASH attributes part of this increase to the childish design of the packaging with bright colours and sweet flavours, which intrigue the younger audience.

Mr Walker commented: "Much of the marketing and branding of this market appears to be targeted at children."

The ban follows last year’s prohibiting of selling cigarettes to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, marking the start of a smoke-free generation.

Mr Walker said: "I am pleased that we are taking long term decisions to protect our children, our planet, and the wider health of our society.

"I was initially surprised the first time that this issue was raised with me on a school visit but it has come up time and time again because today’s young people are both health conscious and environmentally aware."

He concluded: "I think it is right that Government should act to protect children from becoming addicted to nicotine and to protect our environment from totally unnecessary plastic pollution."