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** 11 December 2024
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** UK
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** BAT reports increased profits from vapes (#5)
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** NI Health minister's strategic plan focuses on stabilising and reforming services (#1)
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** Wales to ban disposable vapes from June 2025 (#2)
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** Croydon man fined over £800 for littering in cigarette butt (#3)
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** International
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** US: Lawsuit claims major food brands engineer addictive, harmful products (#4)
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** UK
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** BAT reports increased profits from vapes
British American Tobacco (BAT) have reported that they are on track to make more money from selling vapes than tobacco products in the second half of the year, whilst total global tobacco industry profits are expected to be down by 2% this year. BAT now claims to have about 40% market share of the e-cigarette market in the US and UK. Analysts project total sales from BAT’s vaping products to be up 9% to £3.6 billion this year.
Source: The Independent, 11 December 2024
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Editorial note: Despite rhetoric about becoming a smokeless business BAT currently has a 21% share of the global cigarette market outside China according to Tobacco Tactics ([link removed]).) . The vast majority of BAT’s revenue – around 83% in 2023 – comes from the sale of cigarettes and other conventional tobacco products. In presentations to investors BAT says that “combustibles remains the solid cash-generative
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** NI Health minister's strategic plan focuses on stabilising and reforming services
Northern Ireland’s health minister has outlined an ambitious three-year plan to stabilise, reform, and deliver improvements across the health and social care system. Key initiatives include addressing health inequalities, expanding screening programmes, and implementing reforms in pathology, neurology, and stroke services. The strategy also aims to deliver substantial increases in outpatient assessments and treatments by 2027, alongside reforms in social care, including ensuring care sector pay matches the real living wage.
The plan highlights measures to tackle public health challenges, such as advancing a new obesity strategy and adopting provisions from the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Notably, it proposes introducing minimum unit pricing for alcohol to combat alcohol-related harm.
While the minister emphasised hope and ambition, he acknowledged that progress hinges on future budget settlements and collaboration with the Executive. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of detailed funding plans for the initiatives.
Source: BBC News, 10 December 2024
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** Wales to ban disposable vapes from June 2025
The Senedd has approved a ban on the sale and distribution of single-use vapes in Wales, effective from June 2025. This decision aligns with similar measures planned in England and Scotland, as the UK nations collaborate to address the environmental and health concerns posed by disposable vaping products.
Businesses are being urged to prepare for the transition by sourcing alternatives, educating staff, and ensuring proper disposal systems for remaining stock.
Source: BBC News, 10 December 2024
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** Croydon man fined over £800 for littering in cigarette butt
A New Addington resident has been ordered to pay £833 after failing to settle a fine for dropping a cigarette butt in Bromley town centre. The offence, which took place in May, was prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Initially issued a £100 fixed penalty notice, delays in payment escalated the costs to include fines, surcharges, and legal expenses.
This case marks the 12th littering prosecution by Bromley Council since September, with offenders collectively paying over £6,000. Officials have emphasised that littering is both a criminal offence and a financial burden, costing the borough millions in street cleaning. The council urges residents to use bins or take litter home to avoid penalties and to support cleaner streets.
Source: London News Online, 10 December 2024
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** International
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** US: Lawsuit claims major food brands engineer addictive, harmful products
A Pennsylvania teenager has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against leading food companies, alleging their "ultra-processed" products contributed to his development of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, by age 16. The lawsuit, filed in Philadelphia, names major brands such as Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and General Mills, accusing them of intentionally designing addictive products while being aware of their health risks.
The suit claims these companies employ tactics similar to those used by the tobacco industry, prioritising profit over consumer health. It seeks damages for negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unfair business practices. Critics from the food industry argue there is no consensus on the definition of ultra-processed foods and warn against demonising processed products without considering their nutritional value.
The case highlights growing scrutiny of processed foods, which studies link to chronic health issues. It also raises questions about industry regulation, with calls for greater oversight of the health impacts of such products.
Source: Daily Mail, 10 December 2024
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