The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world3 days ago
Leading UK doctors urged the government Wednesday to pass legislation to tackle "a vaping epidemic", in particular among young people, by banning disposable e-cigarettes and all flavours apart from tobacco.
The call came alongside the publication of a British Medical Association (BMA) report which it said was a "blueprint" for the "bold actions needed".
The previous Conservative government unveiled plans earlier this year to eventually phase out smoking, alongside banning disposable e-cigarettes and restricting their flavours and packaging.
The new Labour administration -- which swept to power early last month -- has revived the draft legislation but is yet to detail its exact approach.
The BMA report noted that vape use among children and young people has increased almost six-fold in the last decade.
It implored the government not to "shy away from taking brave action" in order to "stem the trend".
"There is no denying we are living in a vaping epidemic," Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA's board of science, said in comments accompanying the report's release.
He noted one in 10 adults now vape, while calling the six-fold increase in those aged between 11 and 17 who now vape "far more worrying".
"As a doctor, I understand the role vapes can play in helping people to stop smoking, but they have no rightful place in our children and young people's lives," Strain added.
"An industry so obviously targeting children with colours, flavours and branding, to push a product that can lead to nicotine addiction and potential further harms cannot be allowed to happen any longer."
The report recommends banning all disposable vape and non-tobacco flavour sales, as well as using imagery, colouring and branding on packaging and devices.
That would mirror current restrictions on cigarettes.
The BMA also wants curbs on advertising and marketing, and rules keeping vapes behind retail counters and not on display.
Meanwhile, it is recommending government education campaigns on the dangers of vapes to reduce their appeal, especially among youngsters.
"We are calling on ministers to take bold and brave actions that will make a real difference," Penelope Toff, the BMA's public health medicine committee head, said.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said marketing vapes to children and young people was "utterly unacceptable".
The spokesperson said planned legislation will outlaw the practice while "regulating flavours, packaging, and changing how and where they are displayed in shops".
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world3 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world4 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world4 days ago
Police allege the offences took place between 2001 and 2019 against 8 victims; the youngest was 17 at the time of the offence
world4 days ago
The two countries have a mutual defence treaty dating back to 1951, which could be invoked if either side came under attack, including in the South China Sea
world4 days ago
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger on Narendra Modi in Abuja on Sunday
world5 days ago
The titleholder's winning answer focused on using each individual's strengths
world5 days ago
The suspects would be interrogated jointly with the Shin Bet internal security agency, police said
world5 days ago