Latest news with #HuwIrranca-Davies
Pembrokeshire Herald
20 hours ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Single-use vapes banned across Wales from Sunday
A NATIONWIDE ban on single-use vapes will come into force across Wales and the rest of the UK from Sunday (June 1), in a bid to tackle the environmental damage caused by their widespread use and improper disposal. The move is part of a coordinated effort between the Welsh Labour Government and the UK Labour Government to implement the ban simultaneously across borders. The aim is to improve compliance and give the estimated 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers in Wales time to adapt. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy estimates that in a single year, 360,000 disposable vapes are littered on the ground in Wales, with a further 120,000 flushed down the toilet. The Welsh Government says the ban is a key part of its response to the climate and nature emergency, putting environmental protection at the heart of policy. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: 'Littering from single-use vapes spoils our communities, and we have worked closely with the UK and devolved governments to ensure there are no loopholes, with the ban coming into effect UK-wide this weekend. 'This is another example of governments working together to deliver on the priorities of the people of Wales.' Deputy First Minister and Minister for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: 'Single-use vapes are a blight on wildlife and the environment. This ban will significantly reduce the litter and pollution they cause. 'This is further evidence of Welsh Labour's commitment to tackling the climate emergency and maintaining Wales's status as the second-best recycling nation in the world.' Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, added: 'This ban will also help protect children and young people from nicotine addiction. It's a vital step towards our goal of Iechyd Da—better health—for all.' Meanwhile, in last year's Parliamentary debate on single-use vapes, Reform UK's Nigel Farage was notably absent, choosing instead to host his television programme. Welsh Labour accused him of prioritising media attention and 'fantasy economics' over delivering meaningful change.
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years. "The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction."
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years. "The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction."
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
A ban on single-use vapes will come into effect across Wales and the rest of the UK from June 1. The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years.
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Single-use vapes to be banned in Wales from this weekend
The decision was made to address the environmental damage caused by their creation and improper disposal. This comes after a Welsh Government pledge to make the country's response to the climate and nature emergency integral to all actions. The deputy first minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment. "They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. "Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire." Keep Wales Tidy estimates that 360,000 single-use vapes are littered on Welsh streets each year, with a further 120,000 flushed down toilets. In response, the charity's chief executive, Owen Derbyshire, said: "We warmly welcome Welsh Government's decision to ban single-use vapes—something we've been calling for in recent years. "Nearly half of all clean-ups undertaken by our volunteers last year found these harmful products. "They're a blight on our communities, a danger to wildlife, and near impossible to recycle." The Welsh Government has sent hard-copy information of the impending ban and required action to approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized retailers across Wales. All businesses retailing single-use vapes will need to set up a take-back recycling service for used vapes, pods, or batteries. Any leftover single-use vapes must be disposed of correctly. The mental health and wellbeing minister, Sarah Murphy, said: "In addition to the environmental impacts, we know single-use vapes are being used by children and young people and are a factor in the significant increases in youth vaping that we have seen in recent years. "The single-use vape ban being introduced will help us to protect children and young people from vape products so that they never start vaping and avoid the harms caused by nicotine addiction."
