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** 10 February 2025
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** UK
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** Health minister removed after offensive messages emerge (#1)
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** Ashley Dalton takes over as health minister after Andrew Gwynne’s removal (#2)
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** Rising alcohol-related deaths in older people prompt calls for action (#3)
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** Birmingham receives increased public health funding (#4)
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** International
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** USA reduces medical research funding by $4bn (#5)
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** UK
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** Health minister removed after offensive messages emerge

MP for Gorton and Denton and the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, has been removed from his role and suspended from the Labour Party after a newspaper published a series of offensive and abusive WhatsApp messages sent by him. The messages, which targeted constituents, MPs, and councillors, prompted swift action from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who reaffirmed the importance of maintaining high standards in public office. Gwynne apologised for his comments and accepted the party’s decision.

Source: BBC News, 8 February 2025
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** Ashley Dalton takes over as health minister after Andrew Gwynne’s removal

Following the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne, Ashley Dalton has been appointed as the new Minister for Public Health and Prevention. Dalton, the Labour MP for West Lancashire since 2023, has previously worked in local government and served as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities. A cancer survivor, Dalton has personal experience with the impact of cancer and is passionate about improving health services. Dalton voted in favour of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill at second reading, demonstrating her commitment to public health.

Source: LabourList, 10 February 2025
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** Rising alcohol-related deaths in older people prompt calls for action

Health experts are urging the government to address the growing number of alcohol-related deaths among older adults, as new data reveals a sharp rise in fatalities linked to heavy drinking. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that alcohol-specific deaths reached a record high in 2023, but researchers argue the real toll is far greater when including conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Premature deaths from alcohol-related liver disease have surged, particularly among those in their 50s and 60s, with deprived areas in the north of England worst affected.

Experts highlight that Scotland and Wales have taken stronger measures to curb alcohol harm, including a minimum unit pricing (MUP) policy. Many are calling for England to introduce similar measures, warning that cheap, high-strength alcohol remains too accessible. The government has pledged additional funding for drug and alcohol treatment, but campaigners say more must be done to prevent further harm.

Source: The Guardian, 7 February 2025

See also: ONS - Alcohol-specific deaths in the UK: registered in 2023 ([link removed])

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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** Birmingham receives increased public health funding

Birmingham’s public health services will see a 3% funding increase in the next financial year, with £108 million allocated to key areas such as smoking cessation, addiction recovery, health visitors, and school nurses. The funding will also support sexual health clinics and local NHS initiatives. Birmingham City Council welcomed the announcement, highlighting its role in reducing health inequalities and shifting focus from treatment to prevention in line with the government’s long-term healthcare strategy.

Source: BBC News, 8 February 2025

See also: DHSC - Local public health services given £200 million boost ([link removed]) | LGA - Public Health Grant ([link removed])
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** International
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** USA reduces medical research funding by $4bn

The Trump administration is cutting $4bn from medical research funding by capping the amount institutions can receive for indirect costs such as facilities, equipment, and staff. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that grants will now cover only 15% of these expenses, significantly reducing financial support for universities, hospitals, and research centres. Supporters argue the move prioritises direct scientific research over administrative overheads, but critics warn that these costs are essential in supporting lifesaving research and that the cuts will severely impact vital medical advancements. Democrats and researchers have condemned the decision, calling for its reversal to prevent setbacks in life-saving treatments and clinical trials.

Source: The Guardian, 8 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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