PUPILS in Newport West and Islwyn are having to leave the classroom early to vape, MP Ruth Jones has said.

Mrs Jones made the revelation in a parliamentary debate following the King’s Speech.

King Charles outlined the new government’s priorities, which include setting up a new publicly owned energy company and giving police powers to tackle antisocial behaviour, as part of the State Opening of Parliament.

Speaking in the House of Commons, former NHS physiotherapist Mrs Jones said she was “extremely concerned” people in the UK were still dying from cigarette-related conditions.

“I am pleased to see a Bill to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and, most importantly, to impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes,” Mrs Jones told other MPs.

“I have spoken to local schoolteachers who find that pupils are having to leave lessons or even exams to vape. That is so disruptive to the individual pupil and the whole class.

“It would be good to ensure safety and limit access to vapes – and that legislation cannot come soon enough.”

Speaking on July 17, Mrs Jones also endorsed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s message of change and returning politics to public service.

“I am very pleased our new Labour Prime Minister set out so clearly this government is here to serve the country and not be self-centred or self-serving,” Mrs Jones said.

“We in this House are public servants. We should do all we can to represent the people who voted for us, and those who did not, to ensure their voices are heard in this place.”