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** 2 December 2024
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** UK
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** NHS faces renewed austerity as funding challenges loom (#1)
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** Yorkshire coast communities applaud progress on anti-smoking legislation (#2)
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** Youth football in Herefordshire goes smokefree to protect children's health (#3)
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** Disposable vape ban raises health and market concerns (#4)
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** International
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** Supreme Court to review FDA's regulation of flavoured vapes (#5)
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** UK
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** NHS faces renewed austerity as funding challenges loom
The NHS is preparing for a challenging financial year in 2025-26, as limited funding growth and rising costs are expected to force service and staffing cuts. Although the government has allocated an additional £10 billion to health services, inflation and anticipated pay increases are likely to consume the majority of this funding. Leaders are bracing for constrained budgets, limited flexibility in spending, and possible reductions in elective care and emergency services. While some areas, such as mental health, may see funding protections, this is expected to heighten pressure elsewhere. As the government seeks to set clear priorities, NHS leaders emphasise the need for realistic goals and sufficient support to manage difficult trade-offs.
Source: HSJ, 2 December 2024
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** Yorkshire coast communities applaud progress on anti-smoking legislation
Health leaders across Yorkshire’s coast have celebrated the advancement of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which passed its second parliamentary reading with overwhelming support. The landmark piece of legislation, aiming to create a smokefree generation and regulate youth vaping, garnered public and political backing, with local MPs and residents expressing strong approval. With smoking rates in Scarborough and Bridlington exceeding national averages, the Bill’s measures are seen as vital to reducing health inequalities and protecting future generations. Personal testimonies, such as that of local councillor Linda Chambers, who lost her spouse to smoking-related illness, underscored the human cost of tobacco addiction, rallying further support. The bill now advances to the committee stage.
Source: The Scarborough News, 29 November 2024
See also: ASH – Ready Reckoner ([link removed])
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** Youth football in Herefordshire goes smokefree to protect children's health
A new initiative in Herefordshire, aimed at making youth football healthier, encourages spectators to refrain from smoking during matches. The Smokefree Sidelines campaign, launched by the local council in partnership with the Herefordshire FA and junior football leagues, seeks to reduce second-hand smoke exposure and discourage young people from adopting smoking. With 21 junior football clubs already participating, the campaign highlights the dangers of smoking while promoting resources for those seeking to quit. The initiative will officially kick off with an event at Wessington Juniors FC.
Source: BBC News, 30 November 2024
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** Disposable vape ban raises health and market concerns
The UK government is moving forward with a plan to ban disposable vapes to address environmental and public health concerns. Industry groups have voiced worries about potential unintended consequences, such as an increase in black market activity, which could undermine regulatory efforts. While the ban is intended to reduce plastic waste and restrict youth access to vaping products, critics argue that it might inadvertently drive consumers toward unregulated products, raising safety risks. Retailers and industry experts are urging policymakers to balance public health priorities with effective enforcement strategies.
Source: Grocery Trader, 29 November 2024.
See also: ASH – Disposable vapes to be banned by 1st June 2025 ([link removed])
Editorial note:
It is unlikely that the disposable vape ban will lead to a significant increase in the illicit market. Vapers will continue to have access to a range of reusable products and many manufacturers of popular disposable vapes have already switched to selling reusable vapes.
The government have pledged an extra £10 million ([link removed]) to crack down on illicit tobacco and vapes, alongside Operation Joseph ([link removed]) , a joint project by trading standards and DHSC to tackle illicit vapes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill ([link removed]) will also bolster enforcement by providing powers to introduce a new retail licensing scheme for vape and tobacco retailers. ([link removed]) The new scheme will provide enforcement authorities with the power to issue fixed penalty notices for licensing offences at £2,500. The scheme will also include powers to introduce a new vaping, nicotine and
tobacco product registration scheme which sets out requirements for producers and manufacturers.
The Chartered Institute of Trading Standards (CTSI) has called on the government to provide additional funding to Trading Standards to support enforcement.
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** International
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** Supreme Court to review FDA's regulation of flavoured vapes
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to examine a case that could reshape the regulation of flavoured e-cigarettes. Central to the issue is whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overstepped its authority in rejecting certain flavoured vape products, arguing they appeal to young users. At the heart of the debate is the balance between protecting adolescents from nicotine addiction and offering adult smokers safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The case comes at a time when vaping continues to divide experts, with some arguing e-cigarettes aid in quitting smoking, while others warn of rising youth usage. A ruling in favour of the companies could significantly alter the FDA's approach to regulating e-cigarettes, including the vast number of product applications it is currently processing.
Source: The Washington Post, 1 December 2024
See also: ASH – Vaping Mythbuster ([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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