House of Commons officials have changed the rules to allow MPs to puff on e-cigarettes in parliament.

Although the devices are banned in many British offices and public spaces, lobbying from MPs and researchers means the country's politicians will soon be able to puff on e-cigarettes within parliament, BuzzFeed News has learned. This is despite the World Health Organisation recommending a complete ban on use of the devices indoors.

The news is a big boost for the booming vaping industry, which is worth billions of pounds and has been lobbying hard against regulation. It is also likely to be welcomed by pro-vaping activists, who espouse the nicotine-heavy alternative to tobacco.

But vaping politicians and their staff will be limited to just three areas: part of the Portcullis House building, their own offices, and Stranger's – the main pub for MPs.