In a showing of cross-party unity, North East politicians have called for the sale of illegal vapes to be tackled. 

This week, The Northern Echo revealed that a reporter was able to buy illegal and "red flag" vapes within five minutes of starting an investigation in Durham city centre. 

At three different shops on Durham's North Road, a reporter was able to purchase an illegal supersize vape, as well as two "red-flag" e-cigs that contained a nicotine replacement that Trading Standards had never heard of.

Now, MPs from both sides of the political compass have united, calling for action on illegal and untraceable vapes prevalent within their communities. 

Read the Echo's investigation here: Illegal vapes sold in Durham shops, investigation reveals

Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington, who has been campaigning for the banning of disposable vapes, called vaping a "menace" that must be curbed "for the sake of our kids". 

The Northern Echo:

Mary Kelly Foy MP, who serves Durham City, added her concern about the "growing evidence of the sale of illicit, non-compliant, and even untraceable" vapes. 

She said: “I welcome the investigation by the Northern Echo into the sale of illegal vapes in Durham. It is deeply concerning to see growing evidence of the sale of illicit, non-compliant, and even untraceable vaping products in Durham and across the UK. 

"That these unregulated products are so easily accessible is also cause for concern as the tobacco industry continues to make extreme profits off the back of worrying youth vaping rates. 

"Robust regulation and enforcement are paramount. While there is a clear need for more enforcement at the local level, we know that Trading Standards budgets have been cut significantly in recent years.

The Northern Echo: Mary Kelly Foy.

"Back in April, we welcomed the Government’s announcement of an illicit vape enforcement squad to tackle illegal sales, but we are now 9 months on and nothing has changed.  We need swifter action to stop rogue vape traders in their tracks and ensure that the sale of illicit products does not deter smokers from switching to vaping.”

Peter Gibson, the Conservative MP for Darlington, said: "I am delighted to see that the Echo has joined the voices calling for more action on illegal vapes, together with illegal tobacco, both of which are exploited by criminal gangs to the detriment of our community are damaging to health and our local economy. 

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"I’ve joined the calls in Parliament for a ban on these disposal products and I look forward to highlighting this further in the Commons next week.

"I look forward to the Echo continuing to feature this issue and bring it to the attention of our community who see vaping as safe.

"Used correctly vaping is an excellent way to give up tobacco but for the sake of our kids, we’ve got to rid our town of this menace."