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MPs urged to back tobacco bill to avert smoking-related cancer surge
A new analysis forecasts nearly 300,000 smoking-related cancer cases in the UK by 2029 if current trends persist. Cancer Research UK is urging Parliament to approve the tobacco and vapes bill, which proposes gradually raising the legal smoking age, effectively preventing anyone born after 1 January 2009 from buying cigarettes.
Smoking remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with 350 young adults starting smoking daily. The legislation aims to curb this trend, reduce healthcare burdens, and save lives by restricting tobacco access. The Bill will also take powers to regulate vape marketing and prohibit smoking in sensitive areas like playgrounds. Experts highlight the bill as a historic opportunity for public health improvement, potentially reducing cancer, heart disease, and other smoking-related conditions.
Source: The Guardian, 25 November 2024
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Broad support grows for Tobacco and Vapes Bill to curb smoking
The UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to progressively raise the legal smoking age, ensuring future generations can never legally purchase cigarettes. The legislation, supported by health advocates, has been endorsed by both the UK and Scottish Governments as a significant step towards reducing smoking-related harm. The bill will require approval at both Westminster and Holyrood for it to become law in Scotland. Proponents argue that the policy will save lives, alleviate pressure on the NHS, and address health inequalities.
Source: The Herald, 25 November 2024
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Politicians urge stronger measures to tackle UK obesity crisis
A report highlighting the UK’s worsening obesity crisis has revealed admissions from former prime ministers and health leaders about insufficient action over decades. The study underscores the economic and health impacts of obesity, which disproportionately affect deprived communities and contribute to long-term sickness and NHS pressures.
The report, supported by public health experts, calls for decisive government interventions to promote healthier food environments and reduce barriers to nutritious choices. Proposed measures include expanding the sugar tax to include other unhealthy products and restricting junk food advertising. The findings reflect political challenges in implementing lasting solutions to combat obesity.
Source: The Times, 25 November 2024
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Campaigners call for action on illicit tobacco while warning against industry influence
Campaigners have called for stronger enforcement against the illicit tobacco trade, which costs the UK billions in lost revenue annually. These funds, they argue, could be used for vital public programmes, such as reversing the cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. Despite HMRC's success in reducing the scale of the illegal market since the 1990s, critics warn that more enforcement is needed to curb organised crime networks.
Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) emphasised the tobacco industry’s historical efforts to exaggerate concerns over illicit tobacco to undermine policies aimed at reducing smoking. While recognising the progress made in controlling illegal sales, she supported measures like the incoming retail licensing scheme under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to further suppress the trade and protect public health.
Source: The Express, 25 November 2024
See also: ASH – Tobacco Industry Tactics
Editorial note: The Tobacco industry has a history of stoking concerns over illicit tobacco. The industry regularly argues and lobbies that tobacco control policies, like taxation, will cause illicit trade. A report by the World Bank in 2019 showed that the UK has been extremely successful in combatting illicit tobacco trade. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will provide powers to further strengthen enforcement activity introducing a retailer licensing scheme. The scheme will provide enforcement authorities with the power to issue fixed penalty notices of £2,500 for licensing offences. This will bolster the UK government’s 2024 strategy for tackling illicit tobacco which sets out their continued commitment to drive down the trade in illicit tobacco.
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Government plans largest local government overhaul in decades
The UK government is planning the largest local government reform in over 50 years, replacing the two-tier system with larger unitary authorities in counties like Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Hertfordshire. The restructuring will merge district councils with county councils to improve efficiency and save £3 billion over five years. While the government argues the current system is inefficient and hinders growth, critics, including local council leaders, fear it will reduce local accountability. Led by Local Government Minister Jim McMahon, the changes will be outlined in an upcoming white paper on devolution, though no final decisions have been made.
Source: The Times, 24 November 2024
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The hidden dangers of excessive salt consumption
Most people in the UK consume far more salt than the recommended limit, leading to serious health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. The average adult consumes 8.4g of salt per day, well above the 6g maximum set by UK guidelines, contributing to thousands of preventable deaths each year. Experts, including Sonia Pombo from Action on Salt, emphasise the importance of reducing salt intake, which can help prevent numerous health conditions. A lack of regulation and failure from the food industry to voluntarily reduce salt has meant that progress on reducing salt in food has stalled since 2011. There is a need for stricter regulations and greater accountability in the food industry.
Source: The Guardian, 24 November 2024
See also: House of Lords - Recipe for health: a plan to fix our broken food system | BHF - Reducing the UK's salt intake: potential benefits
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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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