27 March 2025

UK

MPs vote in favour of historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill progressing to the House of Lords

Labour MP inspired to quit smoking by smokefree generation Bill

MP calls for stage smoking ban to protect actors

Teachers report disruption as pupils vape in class

Maternal smoking status and obesity linked to long-term obesity risk

UK

MPs vote in favour of historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill progressing to the House of Lords

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will phase out smoking for future generations, has passed its third reading in the House of Commons with strong cross-party support. 366 MP voted in favour of the Bill and just 41 against, creating a majority of 325. 

The Public Health Minister, Ashely Dalton, thanked former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, for first bringing the legislation to Parliament under the previous Government and noted how the Bill had been strengthened by the Labour Government. ASH CEO Hazel Cheeseman welcomed the historic step forward to eliminating the harms of smoking. The legislation will now proceed to the House of Lords for further examination.

Source: Evening Standard, 27 March 2025

See also: ASH - ASH welcomes progress of historic smoking bill | Hansard -  Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Transcript | Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Third Reading Vote Result

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Labour MP inspired to quit smoking by smokefree generation Bill

A Labour MP has revealed she gave up smoking on the same day she supported new legislation aimed at phasing out cigarette sales to future generations. Jenny Riddell-Carpenter said vaping helped her quit following the second reading debate of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill last year. She also highlighted the need for strong regulation on the product design of vapes to dissuade children from starting.

Source: The Independent, 26 March 2025

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MP calls for stage smoking ban to protect actors

Mary Kelly Fory, the Labour MP for City of Durham, has proposed banning smoking on stage to safeguard actors’ health. Foy’s amendment to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill would remove the Health Secretary’s power to exempt performers from the indoor smoking ban, arguing safer alternatives like vaping should be used.  

Source: Northern Echo, 26 March 2025

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Teachers report disruption as pupils vape in class

Teachers in Wales have raised concerns about a growing problem with students vaping, saying it is affecting concentration and behaviour in schools. A survey by the NASUWT union found that most respondents believed vaping had become more of a problem over the last year, with many reporting pupils using vapes in toilets, during breaks, and even in lessons. 

Teachers said the discreet design and sweet scents of the devices were problematic and that some children were struggling with concentration and missing class time due to the habit. The union is calling for stronger regulation and better support for schools. Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently going through Parliament, takes powers to address the issue, while a ban on disposable vapes is expected to come into force in June.

Source: BBC News, 26 March 2025

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Maternal smoking status and obesity linked to long-term obesity risk

A study has found that maternal obesity and smoking during pregnancy significantly increase the likelihood of a child becoming obese in adolescence and adulthood. Analysing data from the long-term 1958 National Child Development Study, researchers examined weight patterns at ages 16 and 42. The findings suggest that early-life influences, particularly those beyond an individual's control, have lasting effects on body weight. These risk factors remained consistent both before and after obesity rates began rising in the UK, indicating the need to explore broader societal causes behind the obesity epidemic. The study highlights the potential for using early-life and social indicators to guide future prevention strategies.

Source: PLOS, 26 March 2025

See also: Nightingale, G et al. -  Sociodemographic and early-life predictors of being overweight or obese in a middle-aged UK population– A retrospective cohort study of the 1958 National Child Development Survey participants. PLOS One. March 2026. 

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