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** 15 April 2025
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** UK
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** Concerns raised over rising shisha use in Bradford (#1)
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** Hospital-based stop smoking service sees strong uptake among patients (#2)
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** International
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** Concerns raised over potential weakening of EU tobacco laws (#3)
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written answers (#6)
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** UK
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** Concerns raised over rising shisha use in Bradford
Health officials in Bradford have raised alarms about the growing popularity of shisha smoking, particularly among younger people. With 26 shisha venues now operating in the district, local councillors were warned that many users underestimate the health risks associated with the practice. Public health experts highlighted that shisha smoke contains toxic substances similar to those found in cigarette smoke, including carbon monoxide and carcinogens. Officials also noted that the social aspect of shisha often leads to prolonged exposure, and a lack of health warnings on products may contribute to public misconceptions.
Shisha bars currently operate without the need for a licence or specific planning permission, but upcoming legislation could bring them in line with pubs and bars, allowing councils to issue and revoke licences based on compliance.
Source: BBC News, 15 April 2025
See also: ASH – Consultation: Standardised packaging for all tobacco products (Waterpipe section) ([link removed]) | Tobacco and Ethnic Minorities ([link removed])
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** Hospital-based stop smoking service sees strong uptake among patients
A smoking cessation initiative introduced at a West Midlands NHS Trust has seen over 40% of eligible inpatients accept support to quit tobacco use. The programme, delivered in collaboration with local public health teams and linked to the Lung Cancer Screening Programme, is achieving promising early results, with one in five participants remaining smoke-free after four weeks. The service, operating in departments such as cardiology, respiratory and maternity, includes access to nicotine replacement therapy and ongoing referral support after discharge. The initiative highlights how hospital stays can provide a key opportunity to encourage patients to give up smoking, improving both recovery and long-term health outcomes.
Source: Express & Star, 14 April 2025
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** International
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** Concerns raised over potential weakening of EU tobacco laws
Plans to update the European Union’s tobacco legislation have sparked concern among some lawmakers, who fear that the current political makeup of the European Parliament could result in regulations that are more favourable to the tobacco industry. With a growing presence of right-wing and far-right MEPs, there is uncertainty over whether revisiting key directives will lead to stronger public health protections or instead benefit manufacturers. Recent shifts in voting behaviour, particularly by the centre-right European People’s Party, have heightened worries about industry influence. As a result, some centrist and left-leaning MEPs are calling for reassurances before supporting any legislative review.
Source: Euractiv, 14 April 2025
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written answer
Asked by Dr Beccy Cooper, Labour, Worthing West
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much his Department has allocated for smoking cessation campaigns in the 2025-26 financial year; and whether he has made an assessment of the number of additional quit attempts that may be made as a result of these campaigns.
Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire
The 2025/26 budget for smoking cessation campaigns has not yet been confirmed.
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