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** 31 March 2025
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** UK
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** Raising tobacco sale age set to boost London’s economy (#1)
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** Study finds smoking cessation support can be integrated with mental health care (#2)
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** Barnsley sees significant success in smoking cessation efforts (#3)
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** Opinion: Smoking on hospital grounds remains a serious health concern (#4)
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** Pharmacies to expand services with new funding deal (#5)
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** Ministers and officials accept hospitality thousands of times over five years (#6)
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** UK
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** Raising tobacco sale age set to boost London’s economy

A new study suggests that achieving the government’s ambition of a smokefree country will create nearly 15,000 full-time jobs and boost economic growth by over 10%. The research conducted by Landman Economics, commissioned by ASH, highlights how shifting consumer spending away from tobacco, an industry with minimal domestic economic impact, towards other goods and services will drive job creation and productivity. The research found that achieving a smokefree country could generate 135,000 new jobs and contribute nearly £10 billion to the UK economy.

Supporters of a smokefree London have welcomed these findings, emphasising the additional economic advantages of reducing smoking rates. Tracy Parr, Programme Director for the London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London, stressed that a smokefree generation would not only improve public health but also cut the financial burden of smoking-related illnesses, which currently costs the city billions. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive at ASH, highlighted the broader societal benefits, stating that phasing out tobacco sales would promote job growth and economic stability while ensuring better health outcomes for future generations.

Source: London-TV, 29 March 2025

See also: ASH - The economic impact of smoking ([link removed]) | Ending the sale of tobacco will increase UK jobs ([link removed])
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** Study finds smoking cessation support can be integrated with mental health care

A new study has examined the effectiveness of combining smoking cessation support with mental health treatment for individuals with depression and anxiety. Conducted across four NHS trusts in England, the research assessed whether integrating quit-smoking support into cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) would impact treatment outcomes.

Participants, all daily smokers receiving CBT, were offered up to 12 sessions of smoking cessation support. Findings showed that this approach did not reduce CBT completion rates or worsen mental health symptoms. Those receiving integrated support had higher quit rates compared to those in the control group.

Researchers suggest that offering smoking cessation treatment within psychological services could enhance both mental and physical health outcomes for individuals with common mental illnesses.

Source: Oxford Mail, 30 March 2025

See also: Taylor G, et al. intEgrating Smoking Cessation treatment As part of usual Psychological care for dEpression and anxiety (ESCAPE): A randomised and controlled, multi-centre, acceptability and feasibility trial with nested qualitative methods ([link removed]) . 2025.
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** Barnsley sees significant success in smoking cessation efforts

New data from NHS England has highlighted the success of local stop smoking services in Barnsley, with over 500 individuals successfully quitting during the most recent six-month period. Out of 805 people who committed to quitting, 502 self-reported having successfully stopped smoking, representing a 62% success rate. In comparison, the national figures show that while over 105,000 people attempted to quit smoking across England, only 57,472 succeeded.

Source: WeareBarnsley, 31 March 2025
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** Opinion: Smoking on hospital grounds remains a serious health concern

Writing in the Northern Times, NHS Highland Director of Public Health, Dr Tim Allison discusses the ongoing health risks associated with smoking, despite significant scientific and medical advancements. Reflecting on a study from 1954 that first highlighted the link between smoking and diseases like lung cancer and heart disease, Dr Allison acknowledges the slow pace of change in smoking habits. This is largely due to the addictive nature of smoking and the continued commercial profits generated by tobacco sales.

Dr Allison calls for continued efforts to reduce smoking prevalence, particularly in environments like hospitals, where the risks of second-hand smoke are especially concerning. The Director expresses particular concern over the sight of smokers outside hospitals, where both the smokers and those around them are exposed to harmful effects.

However, Dr Allison also highlights the positive progress that has been made through stop smoking services, which have been effective in helping people quit. He concludes that with the support of services and nicotine replacement therapy, many individuals are able to improve their health and financial situation by stopping smoking.

Source: The Northern Times, 30 March 2025
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** Pharmacies to expand services with new funding deal

The UK government has agreed to a new £3 billion deal to support community pharmacies, aimed at easing pressure on GP services by enabling pharmacies to offer a wider range of healthcare services. This deal follows months of negotiations and aims to tackle the growing pharmacy crisis, with funding allocated to reducing closures, improving access to medicines, and offering more patient services.

The deal includes free access to the morning-after pill nationwide, a step towards addressing inequalities and improving access to essential medications. Additionally, pharmacies will play a larger role in mental health support, particularly for patients prescribed antidepressants. The agreement also promises to reduce bureaucratic barriers, allowing pharmacies to offer services like blood pressure checks and prescription advice, helping to reduce NHS waiting times.

Source: The Independent, 31 March 2025
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** Ministers and officials accept hospitality thousands of times over five years

A recent analysis reveals that UK ministers and officials accepted hospitality on approximately 3,500 occasions from 2019 to 2024, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The study, conducted by Spotlight on Corruption, found that some companies providing these "freebies" also had significant meetings with key departments, such as the Treasury, the Cabinet Office, and the Department for Business and Trade. Notably, major banks like HSBC and Barclays provided hospitality while securing numerous meetings with Treasury officials.

The report highlights the growing culture of corporate hospitality within Westminster, with private sector organisations meeting ministers far more frequently than consumer groups or charities. Although ministers are required to declare hospitality, there are calls for increased transparency and stricter regulations to prevent policy capture and restore public trust in government decision-making.

Source: The Guardian, 28th March 2025

See also: Spotlight on Corruption - Business groups providing hospitality get most government meetings, new analysis reveals ([link removed])
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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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