E-cigs news welcomed

MEP Paul Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader

Figures showing that electronic cigarettes may not encourage people to start smoking, as had been feared, make welcome reading, said MEP Paul Nuttall.

"Those opposing e-cigs have argued that that they would provide a gateway to smoking, particularly for young people, but this new data shows a country situation.

"These first official UK figures, which emanate from the Office for National Statics for 2013, indicate those who use e-cigarettes are almost entirely current or former smokers," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader.

"I have always maintained that they are a useful aid for helping smokers quit and could save thousands of lives a year. I am glad that these figures seem to back this up and I think that when the figures for this year emerge they will further confirm this.

"The number of adults who smoke has fallen to 19%, with fewer taking it up and more quitting. That is great news and if e-cigs are helping that more healthy situation it should be welcomed," he said.

From 2016, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is expected to license e-cigarettes as a medicine in the UK.