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MPs support ban on disposable vapes
MPs have endorsed new regulations that will ban non-rechargeable, non-refillable disposable vapes from June next year. Environment Minister Mary Creagh highlighted the environmental risks posed by the millions of single-use vapes discarded each week, which contribute to plastic and chemical pollution. The Minister also highlighted evidence from ASH which linked the increased popularity of single-use vapes to a rise in youth vaping. The Minister said that reusable vapes will continue to be sold as a valuable quitting aid for adults who smoke.
Source: Daily Mail, 13 November 2024
See also: ASH Press Release: Disposable vapes to be banned by 1st June 2025, ASH Factsheet: Use of vapes (e-cigarettes) among young people in Great Britain and Transcript for the Parliamentary Debate on Environmental Protection (Disposable Vapes)
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Schoolchildren’s voices urge smokers to put out cigarettes at Cardiff hospitals
Cardiff and Vale health board has introduced a unique anti-smoking initiative at four hospital sites, where visitors who witness smoking can press a buzzer that activates a recorded message by local schoolchildren urging smokers to put out their cigarettes. Smoking on hospital grounds is illegal in Wales, with violators facing a £100 fine, but concerns remain about smoking near entrances at hospitals like the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough.
The messages, recorded by two primary school pupils in both Welsh and English, remind smokers of the dangers of second-hand smoke, particularly to children and vulnerable patients. The buzzers, placed near entrances, allow people to discreetly alert smokers about the harmful effects of their actions. The health board has also encouraged smokers to seek free cessation support through their GP or local pharmacies, as part of ongoing efforts to improve public health on hospital grounds.
Source: BBC news, 12 November 2024
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Pharmacies warn of service cuts without urgent funding boost
Community pharmacies across the UK are prepared to cut key services, such as free medicine deliveries and extended hours, unless the government urgently increases funding to address what pharmacy leaders describe as a “crisis.” In a recent National Pharmacy Association (NPA) ballot, 99% of independent pharmacy owners expressed willingness to limit services to protect patient safety if no additional support is provided.
The vote reflects mounting frustration following budget changes, which introduced increased wage and national insurance costs that pharmacists argue threaten the sustainability of pharmacy services. Without new funding, pharmacy owners plan to reduce hours, halt some local health programmes, and cease to offer locally commissioned services such as addiction and smoking cessation support. Pharmacy leaders stress that these measures are a last resort, with NPA Chair Nick Kaye noting that a decade of underfunding has led to numerous closures, leaving the sector at a breaking point.
Source: The Guardian, 14 November 2024
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Guardian editorial: NHS reform needs pragmatism over ideology
Reflecting on the failures of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, this Guardian editorial argues that any new NHS reform should be based on practical evidence rather than rigid ideology. The costly restructuring by former health secretary Andrew Lansley, which dismantled management layers and introduced competition among care providers, left a legacy of inefficiency and low morale. Current Health Secretary Wes Streeting, while promising a more measured approach, faces similar challenges as he introduces performance-driven reforms, including league tables and rewards for NHS trusts that manage budgets efficiently.
These changes, aimed at boosting productivity, come with scepticism from both ends of the political spectrum: some see them as insufficiently market-driven, while others fear any form of competition within the NHS. Streeting’s approach is cautious compared to Lansley's, but remains contentious, with lessons to be drawn from past Labour reforms. The editorial argues that accountability for well-paid NHS managers is essential, but warns that these reforms must be adaptable, grounded in actual service improvements, and free of ideological zeal if they are to truly benefit patients and healthcare outcomes.
Source: The Guardian, 13 November 2024
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Research highlights failure of snack firms to uphold marketing promises to children
New research by the University of Liverpool reveals that most UK TV ads for sweets and snacks shown before 9pm—when children often watch TV—are from companies that claim not to target young audiences. Major firms, including Mars, Haribo, PepsiCo, Kellogg’s, and Mondelez, accounted for 80% of these ads, contradicting their pledges not to promote high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) products to those under 16.
These findings support Labour’s decision to ban HFSS product ads on TV before the 9pm watershed and at all times online from October 2025. Campaigners argue that such ads manipulate consumer choices, especially impacting children, while food firms claim they adhere to current regulations. However, health advocates call for mandatory transparency regarding the sales of healthy versus unhealthy products to better inform policy decisions.
Source: The Guardian, 14 November 2024
See also: Associations between exposure to advertising of foods high in fats, salt and sugar and purchase of energy and nutrients: a cross-sectional study
Editorial note: Media stories covering other harmful consumer products, such alcohol, unhealthy food and drink and gambling, are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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House of Commons debate draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) Regulations
The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) Regulations were debated in Parliament yesterday (13th November). The Bill will introduce a ban on single-use (disposable) vapes from June 2025. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mary Creagh, opened the debate by stating that disposable vapes are heavily littered items which are rarely disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. She went on to highlight research from ASH showing that the rise in popularity of disposable vapes has happened concurrently with a rise in youth vaping. The debate also included details of the legislation pertaining to the offences and enforcement issues relating to the ban.
Other speakers included Shadow Minster Dr Neil Hudson and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Liz Jarvis who both spoke in favour of the Bill demonstrating cross party support for the regulations.
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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