MP's backing for e-cigarettes

ALMOST 500 people die of smoking related cancers and diseases in Rotherham every year, MP Sir Kevin Barron told Parliament as he called for e-cigarettes to be promoted as an alternative to tobacco.

The Rother Valley MP raised the issue in a debate in the Commons.

Sir Kevin said: “Smoking is a massive issue in our area.

“More than 37,000 people in the borough smoke and that leads to 500 smoking-related deaths every year.

“I have been battling against the tobacco companies for years and I just find it extraordinary that it’s been allowed to happen.”

Sir Kevin said promoting the use of electronic cigarettes as an alternative to smoking could help reduce the number of deaths across the area.

He said: “There’s a lot of prejudice against e-cigarettes but they are a lot safer than traditional cigarettes.”