This ban, if it comes to pass, will be devastating for smokers looking for an alternative. The French Minister of Health, who appeared before the Parliament, seems to want to cut short existing debates on the regulation of pouches and similar tobacco-free products.

The only way to protect minors from access to these products is not to ban them, but to build a responsible and appropriate regulatory framework.

We all agree that minors must be prevented from having access to tobacco and nicotine products, contrary to WHO claims. To achieve this, it is essential to establish a balanced regulatory framework that enforces existing age restrictions for all nicotine products, while continuing to offer adults less harmful alternatives.

New reduced risk products to cigarettes, including vapes and nicotine pouches are key to unlocking Government smoke-free targets - targets we support. We are clear on our responsibilities, and therefore want to have an open conversation about appropriate regulation that will tackle underage use while keeping smokeless alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches as a vital tool to help adult smokers switch.