View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** 17 March 2025
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** NHS reforms set to bring disruption as government centralises control (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Concerns expressed over illegal tobacco trade (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Retailers raise concerns over impact of vape restrictions (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Councils yet to put full plans in place for new tobacco and vape licensing rules (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Vaping among young children raises concern as clinic reports high demand (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** NHS reforms set to bring disruption as government centralises control

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged potential short-term disruption as the government moves to overhaul NHS England, aiming to cut waste and increase ministerial oversight. Dissolving the public body is expected to take two years, with thousands of jobs lost. Ministers argue that reducing bureaucracy will improve efficiency, though concerns remain over the impact on patient care. While the Conservative Party has backed the move, opposition voices stress the need to safeguard service quality during the transition.

Source: BBC News, 16 March 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Concerns expressed over illegal tobacco trade

Recent figures suggest a drop in legal tobacco sales in the UK, with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) attributing the decline to a rise in black market activity. They argue that while tax revenues have fallen, the number of smokers has only slightly decreased, leading to speculation that illicit trade is expanding. However, experts point out that other factors, such as changes in smoking habits or errors in data collection, could also explain the trend.

Source: Express, 16 March 2025

See also: HM Revenue and Customs - Measuring tax gaps tables - GOV.UK ([link removed])

Editorial note: This is further press coverage after the Telegraph article last week focussed on tobacco tax gaps. However, in their forecast evaluation report ([link removed]) last October, the Office for Budget Responsibility attributes the lower forecast for tobacco duty to “increased substitution from tobacco products to vaping.”

The illicit market in the UK has declined consistently since 2000 alongside steadily increasing tobacco taxes. The UK has a comprehensive anti-smuggling strategy led by HMRC, Border Force and trading standards which has reduced the illicit market share for cigarettes from 20% in 2000/01 to 7% in 2022/23, and 60% to 33% for hand-rolled tobacco.

IEA has a history of accepting tobacco industry funding and advocating for tobacco industry arguments ([link removed] ) .
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Retailers raise concerns over impact of vape restrictions

According to a survey organised via WhatsApp groups by the campaigning organisation We Vape, small business owners have voiced strong opposition to proposed vaping regulations. The survey found widespread concern over the economic impact of banning disposable vapes and restricting flavours, with some retailers warning they may be forced to close. Critics of the bill argue that better enforcement of existing laws would be more effective than introducing new restrictions. The government, however, insists the regulations are necessary to protect young people from nicotine addiction.

Source: Daily Mail, 16 March 2025

Editorial note: It is unclear how the sample for this survey was selected - the only information given here is that it was through WhatsApp groups. This survey may therefore suffer from bias and the results should be treated with caution. An ASH funded survey of convenience stores ([link removed]) conducted in 2024 using conventional market research methods found strong support from these small businesses for vaping regulations.

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Councils yet to put full plans in place for new tobacco and vape licensing rules

Research undertaken by The Express has found that more than 90% of local councils are “unprepared” for the implementation of the licensing scheme under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The scheme, which is part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and will be designed following consultation and regulations after the Bill is passed into law, will require retailers selling tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products to obtain a licence. It will be designed to combat illegal trade and underage sale. However, the detail of any scheme will be determined later, and it is unlikely regulations will be passed in 2025. While some retailers support the scheme to address rogue traders, concerns have been raised by the Conservative London Assembly Member Andrew Boff about its potential negative impact on small businesses and the lack of proper planning by local authorities.

Source: Convenience Store, 14 March 2025

Editorial note: ASH surveys of convenience stores ([link removed]) have consistently found very high levels of support for retail licensing of tobacco. The Local Government Association has recently published FAQs to support councils ([link removed]) in preparing for the licencing changes.

------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Vaping among young children raises concern as clinic reports high demand

A new clinic in Liverpool designed to help children quit vaping has reported overwhelming demand, with the facility fully booked since its opening. The clinic, which focuses on helping under-16s quit vaping, has drawn attention to young children, some as young as seven, taking up vaping. ASH research indicates that around 18% of 11-17 year olds in the UK have tried vaping. Experts are increasingly concerned about more young people being exposed to addictive nicotine products.

Source: Daily Mail, 16 March 2025
------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here. ([link removed])

For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk ([link removed])

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.

============================================================
Our mailing address is:
Action on Smoking and Health
Unit 2.9, The Foundry
17 Oval Way
London
SE11 5RR

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])