#Shorts
The sale of disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from June next year, the government has confirmed.
Ministers in England said the move, first announced in January by the previous government but not enacted before the general election, is intended to protect children's health and prevent environmental damage.
The government said it had worked closely with the devolved nations and they would "align coming into force dates" on bans, with Wales already confirming it will follow suit.
Vaping industry leaders have warned the move could fuel a rise in illegal sales of the products.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) said vape usage in England had grown by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9% of the British public now buying and using the products.
The number of people who vape without ever having smoked has also increased considerably over recent years, driven mostly by young adults.
