Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East David Ward is backing a new Parliamentary Group on E-cigarettes which will be set up to debate issues around the use and production of E-cigarettes.

David Ward is supporting the setting up of a new cross party group in Parliament which will look into issues surrounding E-cigarettes and the ways that they might be used in order to increase public health by encouraging people to use less harmful forms of smoking.

According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 4 of people in David Ward‘s constituency of Bradford East smoke and more than a quarter (27%) of cancer deaths in the UK are caused by smoking. In addition to smoking causing cancer, smokers are also at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

There are now an estimated 2.1 million users or “Vapers” across the UK which means that there are approximately 3,200 in each constituency, along with a network of shops and supermarkets that sell E-cigarettes.

Having asked people in his constituency about their thoughts and experiences of using E-cigarettes, David Ward received some very positive feedback from local Bradfordians. Many said that they noticed improving health conditions from using E-cigarettes with some confirming that it had helped them either cut down or quit altogether.

From the feedback received most people thought E-cigarettes should be treated just like normal cigarettes with limits on advertising, proper regulation and banning the use of them in public spaces. Additionally, the majority thought that no further taxation over and above that of VAT should be levied on E-cigarettes.

Commenting David Ward MP said:

“I’m pleased to be supporting the new Parliamentary Group on E-cigarettes because I think that the increasing use of them will have far reaching positive effects on people’s health and wellbeing.

“Let’s be clear, nicotine is highly addictive, smoking should in no way be encouraged and we must ensure that we have measures in please to particularly protect young people from taking up smoking.

“However, I support sensible alternatives like the E-cigarettes for smokers not because I like them, but because they may help save lives and improve many more. They may have significantly less detrimental health effects than traditional cigarettes.

“I was moved by some of the emails that I received from local people which told of how their lives had significantly improved since using E-cigarettes. I also received very constructive feedback on the use and marketing of E-cigarettes and I hope that the new Parliamentary Group will be a good avenue to promote these sensible changes to how we regulate E-cigarettes.”