MP for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken, spoke out during the debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
During the debate, Nickie explained how the huge rise in shisha cafés across the Two Cities has been very worrying from a health point of view, and local people have also expressed their concerns to her regarding the sheer numbers of them, and how they often result in late-night noise in local neighbourhoods.
The effects of shisha smoking on health are even worse than a cigarette. An hour-long session of shisha smoking can result in a smoker inhaling the same amount of smoke as if they'd consumed over 100 cigarettes.
Nickie was pleased to receive assurances from the Health Secretary that our future generations will be protected from it and its effects.
Nickie explained,
"I thank my right hon. Friend for giving way. She is making a very important point about young people and children smoking today. It is not just about cigarettes. Shisha smoking, in particular in Westminster, Marylebone and Edgware Road in my constituency, has become very fashionable for young people. An hour of smoking shisha equates to 100 to 200 cigarettes within an hour. Will she confirm that shisha tobacco will be included in the Bill?"
Secretary of State for Health, Victoria Atkins MP, replied,
"I thank my hon. Friend for bringing the City of Westminster right into the Chamber. There are, in fact, five times more people in England today smoking non-cigarette tobacco, which includes cigars and shisha, than there were a decade ago. Worryingly, the greatest increase is in young adults. That is why we have said that tobacco in all its forms is a harmful product, and that we therefore wish to ensure we are consistent in the policy and the messaging that this is about helping young people to stop."
