Blackburn-based vaping firm Totally Wicked has appeared in parliament to defend e-cigarettes products, in particular those that are single use.

The company, which also sponsors the town's football club, was called to parliament to be questioned about the rise in youth vaping and who is responsible for it.

Totally Wicked chief executive, and chair of the IBVTA (Independent British Vape Trade), Marcus Saxton defended the use of disposable vapes.

He said a ban might create a ‘black market’ which could cause potentially harmful products to infiltrate the market.

He also highlighted the use of vapes for people who want to stop smoking.

Local authorities in England and Wales have called for disposable vapes to be banned in the UK by 2024 on environmental and health grounds.

At the meeting in June, Mr Saxton said:  “I think regulation should change… but I do think it is important to understand the negative consequences [with] putting the wrong legislation in place [including the black or illicit market].

“If you don’t effectively regulate [vape usage] you will allow [the black market sales] to thrive with chemicals that are not regulated, oversized and age verification protocols are non-existent or flouted.”

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph a spokesperson for the company, which renewed its sponsorship deal with Rovers in June, said single use vape products “play a key role in supporting an entry point to vaping for many smokers”.

A spokesperson said:” Their ease and simplicity of use, consistent delivery, and relative low cost to ‘trial’ makes them more accessible than refillable and rechargeable devices.

"Importantly, as with all vape products, they are significantly less harmful than combustible cigarettes.

“While many more retailers must enact their obligations around a ‘take back scheme’, there is a growing opportunity for consumers who are transitioning from smoking to return their single use products for responsible recycling. 

“It is illegal to sell vaping products to people under 18, and reputable and established retailers work tirelessly to ensure these transformative products are only accessible to adults. 

“In summary, single use vape products play a critical role in supporting smokers.

"Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable death in the UK (according to government data from 2022) and any proposed restrictions on vape products should not lose sight of this stark fact.”

Chair of the health and social care committee, Steve Brine MP, said: “While vaping has benefits for those who want to give up cigarettes, this committee is particularly concerned at the marketing practices of the vaping industry with products that appeal to children under 18 with use of flavours and bright colours.

“We [called] in representatives of the vaping industry to question them about the rise in youth vaping and who is responsible for it.

“Brands that are popular with children can cost less than £3 for a disposable, a pocket money price."

The Local Government Association (LGA) said the sale and manufacture of single-use e-cigarettes should be stopped next year in line with other European countries.

France is considering a ban by the end of 2023, with the European Union expected to follow suit in 2026.

The LGA said it is “crucial” a ban comes into force “rapidly” to stop a flood of single-use vapes into the UK market.

The organisation described disposable vapes as “a hazard” for waste collectors and said they are “almost impossible to recycle without going through special treatment”.

There have been a number of incidents of fires at waste plants caused by disposable vapes over the past year in the UK, while the disposable products often contain rechargeable batteries which contain precious materials, which rather than being reused or recycled are going into landfill.

It also raised concern about the impact of vaping on children and young people, particularly how they are marketed with colourful designs and flavours.

In July, the British Medical Association (BMA) voted to review the potential dangers of vaping in a bid to tackle what it described as a “growing epidemic”.

It will look at the dangers of vaping and call for plain packaging on e-cigarettes in line with tobacco and cigarettes.

Members will also push for a ban on flavoured vapes and said more should be done about products being sold to under-18s illegally.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has been approached for comment.