SCREAM!

I got my first replies from Labour MEP's in the Northwest. One simply stated that my letter had been re-routed to the MEP that had already replied thus -

Because e-cigarettes are a relatively new product they are regulated
differently in each EU country.  Some countries allow e-cigarettes to be
sold without any regulation at all.  Others have banned the sale of
e-cigarettes.  As the UK is part of the EU's internal market it is important
that we harmonise the way we deal with this product, otherwise consumers
could be buying unregulated products which do not conform to basic safety
standards, either within their own country, or by easily purchasing it over
the internet from a neighbouring country.

 Well, I can guarantee this will happen if  WHO directive is adopted!

The European Commission has proposed that all 'nicotine containing products'
with more than 2mg per unit should not be classed as tobacco products.
Instead, under the Commission's proposals, nearly all e-cigarettes will need
to get authorisation as a pharmaceutical product, in the same way as
nicotine patches, sprays and gums.

This is exactly the thing that must be stopped yes?

Of course there is a balance to strike.  On one hand e-cigarettes have the
potential to be a helpful way to help somebody quit smoking entirely and
greatly improve their health.  On the other hand e-cigarettes currently can
contain up to 48mg of nicotine - far more than a regular cigarette, making
them highly addictive.  As nicotine is the drug that makes cigarettes
addictive, somebody that tries e-cigarettes could be much more likely to go
on to smoke regular cigarettes.  Furthermore, there is no evidence that
e-cigarettes are safe, and it is concerning that they are being marketed as
a 'healthy' alternative to smoking.

Oh dear - they do not have "potential" to help someone quit smoking - they DO. 

Do I believe vapers will start smoking? Mmmm. It's a no brainer that vaping is 

healthier than smoking.

Currently we do not have any conclusive evidence either that e-cigarettes
are helpful for giving up smoking, or that they encourage it.

While we do not have this scientific evidence to rely on I think it is
wise to have a cautious approach to e-cigarettes.   If they are
effective in helping people to stop smoking, then it is appropriate that
they are regulated in the same way as other smoking cessation tools, such as
nicotine patches. 

Ooooo Nooooo!