Angela Rayner expresses concerns over vaping culture
Angela Rayner has stated she would be “devastated” if her children began vaping, acknowledging that her own nicotine addiction has resulted in a “lifetime of purgatory,” reports BritPanorama.
The communities secretary, who revealed that her children refer to her as the “vape dragon” due to her e-cigarette use, admitted she has struggled to quit since becoming addicted to nicotine as a teenager. Speaking to LBC, she remarked, “I don’t love vaping.”
Rayner noted that her initial motivation for vaping was to quit smoking, a habit she has battled intermittently since her youth. “I wish I could just give it up completely,” she added.
The backdrop to her comments coincides with the government’s crackdown on vape shops, which will soon require planning approval for new establishments. Efforts are also underway to tighten regulations on the legal definition of vape stores to prevent circumvention of existing laws.
Earlier this year, Ms Rayner expressed hopes of quitting vaping entirely but has since acknowledged that she remains in a “lifetime of purgatory.” She remarked on the societal influences of smoking during her generation, stating, “I’m from a generation when I thought it was cool to smoke – it wasn’t.”
Furthermore, she conveyed her children’s feelings, saying they are “disgusted” by her vaping habits, reinforcing her view that vaping is neither cool nor a commendable habit. “I despise the fact I have to say… that I’m addicted to nicotine as I started as a kid,” she explained.
Rayner acknowledged her ongoing struggle, stating, “I do vape, but the important thing is I do that to stop myself from smoking. It’s been a lifetime of addiction for me and it’s probably going to damage my health.”
In connection with these developments, the government has announced plans to grant councils increased powers to limit the establishment of betting shops and vape stores as part of an initiative to rejuvenate Britain’s “hollowed-out high streets.” Andy Burnham aims to abolish the “aim to permit” rule, which traditionally has made it challenging for local authorities to refuse licenses for gambling venues.
These measures are included in a broader strategy intended to enhance the appearance and functionality of high streets. New design expectations for shop fronts are set to address concerns over “garish neon signs” and oversized logos, complemented by practical guidance for councils focused on improving local aesthetics.
The prime minister commented, “The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for.” This reflects an ongoing dialogue about the future of Britain’s high streets and the balance between economic viability and community standards.
