The Northern Echo has been thanked in Parliament for their 'campaigning journalism' following an investigation highlighting the proliferation of illegal vapes in the North East. 

A debate in Westminster Hall this afternoon, tabled by Darlington MP Peter Gibson, heard about the devastating effects illegal vapes have on both users, and their communities.

He said: "It is estimated that a staggering one in three vapes being sold in the UK is illicit - they are being sold with no care whatsoever for the user."

"Trading Standards in Darlington, who I think are doing a tremendous job led by Shaun Trevor, targeting these traders. Products have been seized from 23 different retailers with a value of over £300,000. 

The Northern Echo: Peter Gibson, Darlington MP, tabled a debate about illegal and underage vaping.

Illegal vapes and illicit tobacco have a devastating impact on honest retailers. Mr Gibson recounted a meeting with a constituent last week: "A trader of some 40 years reported that his tobacco sales have fallen from more than £7,000 a week to just £2,000."

Mr Gibson added: "I want to put on the record my thanks to Phoebe Abruzzese, from The Northern Echo, for highlighting this issue, and am pleased to be working with her going forward."

This follows an Echo investigation, revealing that a reporter was able to buy illegal and "red flag" vapes within five minutes 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.

Mary Kelly Foy, MP for Durham City, said: "We need to see robust regulation and enforcement at the local level. My constituency really needs that. 

"I am shocked at the extent of illicit, noncompliant and even untraceable vaping products. Over 6000 illicit vapes were seized last year across County Durham, with three prosecutions linked to underage sales and illicit vapes. 

"May I also express my thanks to the Northern Echo for their investigation into this.

She called for Trading Standards departments to be boosted with funds to aid the vape crackdown. Ms Foy said: "Cuts to Trading standards have not helped - I know that workers in Durham are at full capacity. when will they receive something from the £30m announced in October to help them do their job?"

For Gibson, the most worrying part of illegal vapes was its link to "organised crime and money laundering".

"Children, besides being supplied with illegal tobacco and illegal vapes, are being used as mules to fetch and carry illegal products, or to act as agents selling the vapes in the school playground. 

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"In the most shocking case locally, a young person being groomed for sex with the enticement of illegal vapes. We should be wide awake to the risks in our community to young people who are exposed to exploitation in this way. 

Peter Gibson MP called for: 

  • Nationwide awareness campaign of the dangers of illegal vapes to adults and children 
  • Increased awareness in schools about the risks. 
  • All vape products in plain packaging and out of sight, like tobacco. 
  • Exploration of robust licensing for vapes and tobacco. 
  • Increased collaboration of intelligence between trading standards departments and police nationwide. 
  • "On the spot fines", set at punitive rates, to tackle illegal vapes and illegal tobacco. 
  • Swifter premises closure orders.