Swann welcomes ‘lockstep’ move as NI included in Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Northern Ireland will be fully included in the UK’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, following a firm Government commitment secured during a House of Commons debate led by South Antrim MP Robin Swann.

The former Health Minister pressed for clarity on whether the legislation would apply equally across all four nations, warning that consistency is crucial to protecting public health and avoiding divergence within the UK.

‘Common-sense’ legislation for future generations

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Swann described the Bill as a necessary and long-overdue step to improve health outcomes and reduce smoking rates across generations.

He told MPs:

“Very little has changed between what was debated when this legislation was proposed by the last Government and what is before us now, because it is the right thing to do. It is the common-sense thing to do for the health of the entirety of our nation.

“I remember having those conversations with… Dame Andrea Leadsom, who was passionate about what the Bill would bring about. She was receiving the same advice as I was from chief medical officers across the nation about how the cessation of smoking across generations would dramatically change not just health, but the economic standing of many families.

“In respect of that four-nation approach, I seek reassurance again from the Government that the Bill will apply equally in Northern Ireland and all parts of the nation.”

Government confirms UK-wide approach

Responding on behalf of the Government, Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson confirmed the legislation will apply across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

She said:

“The Bill is UK-wide and has been developed in close partnership with the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. We are content that the measures in the Bill, which are intended to apply to Northern Ireland, are compatible with the obligations under the Windsor framework.

“The Government have provided a comprehensive response… which explains why the smokefree generation policy complies with EU law as it applies under the Windsor framework, and the European Commission has now responded, noting our response.”

Certainty after EU process concludes

Welcoming the confirmation, Mr Swann said the outcome provides long-awaited certainty that Northern Ireland will not be left behind.

“I am pleased that the Minister was able to provide such a clear update regarding the European Commission. The fact that the notification process has concluded gives us the certainty we need that Northern Ireland will move in lockstep with the rest of the country,” he said.

He also pointed to political differences over the Bill, noting:

“We also have seen a strange situation where the DUP MPs previously opposed the Bill in Westminster while their MLA colleagues supported it in Stormont. My position has remained consistent since my time as Health Minister. This is about protecting young people from the harms of tobacco and tackling the marketing of vapes aimed at children.”

Why it matters for Northern Ireland

The confirmation ensures Northern Ireland will be included in sweeping measures aimed at creating a “smokefree generation” and tightening controls on vaping products, particularly those marketed at young people.

For communities across Northern Ireland, including Ballymena and the wider Antrim area, the decision removes uncertainty and aligns public health policy with the rest of the UK—seen by many as critical to long-term health and economic outcomes.

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At a glance

• Northern Ireland will be fully included in the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill

• South Antrim MP Robin Swann secured clarity during a Commons debate

• Government confirmed the Bill applies UK-wide, including NI

• Measures are deemed compatible with the Windsor Framework

• European Commission has acknowledged the UK’s position

• Swann says NI will move “in lockstep” with the rest of the UK

• Focus includes reducing smoking and restricting vape marketing to children

• The Bill aims to create a “smokefree generation” across the UK