UK to Offer 1 Million Smokers Free Vapes to Quit

Up to 1 million smokers will be encouraged to swap their cigarettes for vapes, according to the British government. Pregnant women will be offered financial incentives to switch, reports Reuters.

“Up to two out of three lifelong smokers will die from smoking. Cigarettes are the only product on sale which will kill you if used correctly,” Health Minister Neil O’Brien will say in a speech later on Tuesday, the government said.

“We will offer a million smokers new help to quit. We will be funding a new national ‘swap to stop’ scheme—the first of its kind in the world.”

One million smokers will be given a free vaping starter kit to encourage them to give up tobacco products.

Pregnant women will also be offered up to £400 to stop smoking as part of a package of measures in England unveiled by the government on Tuesday.

A consultation will be launched on compelling cigarette manufacturers to put advice on quitting inside packs.