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** 27 November 2024
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** UK
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** MPs back landmark smoking and vaping restrictions (#1)
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** Plans confirmed to introduce gambling levy and online slots cap (#1)
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** Labour unveils wide-ranging plans to address unemployment and economic inactivity (#3)
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Tobacco and Vapes Bill debated in Parliament (#5)
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** UK
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** MPs back landmark smoking and vaping restrictions
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was advanced by parliament following its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday, passing with 415 votes to 47.
The legislation seeks to create a "smoke-free generation" and includes measures to address youth vaping. While widely supported for its public health benefits, critics raised concerns about civil liberties and the practicality of long-term enforcement. However, Health Minister Wes Streeting defended the plans arguing there was no freedom in addiction to uniquely harmful tobacco products. The bill also introduces restrictions on vaping flavours and packaging to reduce their appeal to children.
Further debates and consultations will refine the bill, which is expected to become law, marking a significant step in shifting healthcare focus from treatment to prevention and alleviating NHS pressures.
Source: BBC News, 26 November 2024
See wide coverage of the Second Reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill:
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** The Daily Mail ([link removed])
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** The Mirror ([link removed])
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** The i ([link removed])
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** The Independent ([link removed])
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** See also: Tobacco and Vapes Bill debate transcr ([link removed]) ipt ([link removed]) and MP vote tracker ([link removed])
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Read Here ([link removed])
** Plans confirmed to introduce gambling levy and online slots cap
The government have approved a levy of gambling firms precited to raise £100m a year to fund research, prevention and NHS treatment of gambling addictions. The government is also pressing ahead with a limit the sums that can be staked on online slot machines, reducing it to £2 per spin for 18-24 year olds.
Currently, there is a system whereby gambling firms can voluntarily contribute donations towards supporting those with gambling addictions, with GambleAware receiving the majority of these funds.
Under the new system, half of the money raised will go to the NHS and 30% will go directly on prevention measures.
Source: The Guardian, 27 November 2024
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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Read Here ([link removed])
** Labour unveils wide-ranging plans to address unemployment and economic inactivity
The Labour government has outlined reforms to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity, with a focus on transforming Jobcentres into a more flexible "national jobs and careers service." Central to the plan is addressing ill health as a key driver of inactivity, with £22.6 billion allocated to health and social care improvements, including targeted NHS support to reduce waiting lists in areas with high economic inactivity.
The reforms also propose overhauling the health and disability benefits system to better support workforce participation. Investments include £240 million for initiatives such as regional pilots to integrate health, skills, and employment support, and £45 million for youth programmes aimed at boosting job and education opportunities.
Source: Sky News, 26 November 2024
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Read Here ([link removed])
** Parliamentary
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** Tobacco and Vapes Bill debated in Parliament
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** The Tobacco and Vapes Bill had its second reading in Parliament yesterday. Opened by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, the debate heard from MPs from across the political spectrum speaking in favour of the Bill’s measures, aimed principally at creating a smokefree generation. The Bill passed with 415 votes to 47. The Bill will now progress to committee stage where a committee of MPs will scrutinise the legislation and any proposed amendments (changes). A summary of the legislative process the Bill will go through is available here ([link removed]) .
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A full transcript of the debate is available here. ([link removed])
See also:
The ASH Press Release ([link removed])
The Cancer Research UK Press Release ([link removed])
The ASH long brief on the second reading ([link removed])
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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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