Disposable vapes are something that a number of constituents have written in to me about, and the results from my recent survey and Facebook post have made clear that this is an issue that matters to you.
Today, I met with representatives from the RSPCA (England & Wales) and the Marine Conservation Society in Parliament, to learn more about their latest report on the state of our beaches, and the effect that disposable vapes are having. Fiona, pictured with me in the photo here, was really helpful in telling me more, highlighting, in particular, the risk that discarded vapes pose to marine life and the movement of microplastics through the food chain.
5 million disposable vapes are thrown away every week, many of which end up in our natural spaces. Cleethorpes Beach in particular has been blighted by them, and the photo below shows the number of vapes we picked up within five minutes of walking on the beachfront.
I'm pleased that the Government has taken the decision to ban disposable vapes, which is the outcome the RSCPA have been fighting for. This will cut off a source of littering and pollution, and will help keep our natural spaces clean and safe for both humans and animals.
Find out more about the RSPCA's campaign here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/vaping
