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Illicit nicotine pouches pose risk to young users, experts warn
Unregulated high-strength nicotine pouches, which are being sold illegally in the UK, may lead to health risks for young people, according to Oxfordshire Trading Standards. Trading Standards teams across multiple regions have confiscated over 1,500 of these products in the past year, with some containing nicotine levels far exceeding those of cigarettes. Nicotine pouches are required to be clearly labelled in English with safety guidelines. However, there are no specific restrictions on their sale, strength, or marketing, making them easily accessible to under-18s.
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said that these brands, many of which are owned by multinational tobacco companies, have used the same aggressive marketing strategies used to hook young people on cigarettes in previous decades. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will prevent these nicotine pouches and other novel nicotine products from being marketed to children.
Source: BBC, 5 February 2025
Editorial note: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban marketing of nicotine pouches and other non-medicinal nicotine products and introduce an age of sale of 18. It will also give the government powers to restrict nicotine content; regulate packaging, display and flavours; and introduce a retail licencing scheme for tobacco and nicotine products, including pouches.
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Government backs NHS cuts to curb overspending
Ministers have pledged support for NHS leaders in making difficult financial decisions, including service reductions, to address persistent budget deficits. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the need for the NHS to operate within its allocated funds, warning that unchecked overspending would no longer be tolerated. While the government has increased NHS funding, rising costs from wages and treatments mean many areas face real-terms budget cuts. Local health bodies are being urged to identify savings, with NHS England highlighting that service reductions may sometimes be necessary. Ministers are also prepared to defend unpopular closures if deemed essential.
Source: HSJ, 30 January 2025
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Alcohol-related deaths in UK reach record levels
The number of deaths linked to alcohol consumption in the UK has reached an all-time high, with over 10,000 fatalities recorded in 2023. The latest figures show a continuing upward trend, with men more than twice as likely as women to die from alcohol-related causes. Scotland and Northern Ireland reported the highest rates, while within England, the north-east had the most cases. The rise in deaths is expected to renew pressure on policymakers to introduce stricter alcohol regulations and improve access to addiction support services.
Source: The Guardian, 5 February 2025
See also: Office for National Statistics - Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2023 | Institute of Alcohol Studies - UK alcohol deaths increase by 38% since 2019
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health 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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David Lynch’s final words on smoking inspire fans to quit
The death of filmmaker David Lynch, who had a lifelong love affair with cigarettes, has sparked a wave of reflection among smokers, with some using his story as motivation to quit. Diagnosed with emphysema in 2020, Lynch was forced to give up smoking after decades of viewing it as an essential part of artistic life. His final remarks on the habit’s dangers have resonated deeply with fans, including writer Lydia Kiesling and others who credit his passing with their decision to stop. While smoking rates are historically low, its cultural allure persists, complicating efforts to quit. Lynch’s story, however, has provided a stark reminder of its long-term consequences.
Source: The Guardian, 4 February 2025
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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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