MEP stands up for e-cig users

Chris Davies MEP

Rochdale Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies is standing up for e-cigarette users by fighting plans hatched in the EU and Westminster that would sweep them from the shelves.

Davies is fighting proposals from Brussels that would reduce the availability of e-cigarettes by proposing amendments to a proposed law.

He has also now written to the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) asking them not to regulate e-cigarettes as medicines – a more draconian proposal that would reduce their availability.

Davies said: “In an ideal world, no-one would be addicted to nicotine but we don’t live in an ideal world and e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking.

“I’ve been working with my fellow Lib Dem Rebecca Taylor MEP to get a sensible EU approach to making sure that e-cigarettes are safe and not marketed to children but also making sure they are at least as available as tobacco.

“I’m shocked that the MHRA have now come up with this proposal that would see tobacco on sale in supermarkets but e-cigarettes potentially restricted.

“Hundreds of ex-smokers have written to me to say how e-cigarettes have improved their lives and got them away from tobacco.

“I’m sure the MHRA have good intentions but the outcome of their over-regulation would be more people smoking tobacco.”