Rishi Sunak has pledged to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s by forming an ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’.

Task forces would conduct ‘test purchasing’ at shops and share ‘intelligence’ across regional networks and local authorities, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Squads would also be granted powers to remove illegal products from shops and at borders.

The Government is also due to announce the launch of a call for evidence to identify other opportunities to reduce the number of children using vapes.

The DHSC did not respond when asked how recruits to the squads would be sourced.

Health minister Neil O’Brien said: ‘Smoking kills, so our priority is to prevent people from smoking, and support them to quit. We remain committed to our ambition to be smoke-free by 2030.

‘However, while vaping is a preferable alternative to smoking for adults, we are concerned about the rise in youth vaping, particularly the increasing use of disposable vaping products.

‘The new illicit vapes enforcement squad will work across the country and clamp down on those businesses who sell vapes to children – which is illegal – and get them hooked on nicotine. Our Call for Evidence will also allow us to get a firm understanding of the steps we can take to reduce the number of children accessing and using vapes.’

Mr O’Brien is expected to outline the plans in a speech at Policy Exchange on Tuesday.

It comes as both the Tories and Labour put crime-fighting plans at the heart of their campaigns ahead of the local elections next month.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to put 13,000 police officers on the beat to help tackle rising levels of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced a set of measures to crack down on antisocial behaviour, including a laughing gas ban, trials of swifter justice measures and increased policing in areas of England and Wales deemed to have high amounts of low-level crime.

Punishments for offenders could include picking up litter, washing police cars or doing unpaid work in shops, according to Downing Street.

Officials said the Government’s anti-social action plan was about establishing a ‘zero-tolerance approach where offenders know they will face the full consequences of their actions’.

Speaking of the plan, the Prime Minister said: ‘For too long, people have put up with the scourge of anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

‘These are not minor crimes. They disrupt people’s daily lives, hold businesses back and erode the sense of safety and community that brings people together.

‘That’s why I’m bringing forward a new plan to crack down on this behaviour once and for all – so that everyone can feel proud of where they live.’

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