Outlier or Pioneer? the Development of Policy on E-Cigarettes in England

Abstract

AbstractIn England, support for nicotine replacement therapy and for nicotine as a harm reduction agent expanded from the 1990s. The Labour government gave support as part of its anti-tobacco strategy and focus on inequalities. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) the main anti-smoking activist organisation, also changed position. When e-cigarettes came on the scene ASH was important in including them within harm reduction and in assembling a coalition of support which included regulatory agencies. The coalition government also gave support. Medicinal licensing was intended but events in the European Parliament saw a consumer product approach adopted. The US EVALI epidemic did not affect England but shook public confidence. Recently, medicinal licensing has come back onto the agenda with a greater focus on young people.