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** 24 April 2025
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** UK
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** Public supports tough health policies to tackle root causes of illness, poll shows (#1)
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** BBC analysis highlights Trading Standards’ success in tackling illegal vape trade (#2)
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** Cancer Research UK chair backs flexible vape rules to protect non-smokers (#3)
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** Peer credits disposable vapes for quitting smoking ahead of upcoming ban (#4)
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** Darlington considers introducing smokefree outdoor seating (#5)
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** International
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** BAT Kushtia workers protest over 22-point labour demand (#6)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Debate: Second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill (#7)
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** Consultation: Men's Health Strategy (#8)
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** UK
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** Public supports tough health policies to tackle root causes of illness, poll shows

A new poll has revealed that most Britons support strong government action to improve public health and do not view such measures as examples of "nanny-statism". The research, conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Public First, found that concerns about personal freedoms are far less significant than fears policies might be ineffective or drive up costs.

Out of 2,010 UK adults surveyed, 61% supported expanding smoking bans to more public spaces, such as playgrounds and hospital grounds, while only 19% opposed such a move. A majority also backed a ban on junk food advertising in public spaces, with 65% in favour and just 10% opposed.

Only a quarter of those polled cited loss of personal freedom as a concern in tackling health inequalities, compared with 32% who were more worried about rising costs or ineffective policies. The NHS ranked as one of the public's top concerns, just behind the cost-of-living crisis.

The IPPR’s Sebastian Rees said the findings debunk the idea that bold health interventions are politically risky, noting that voters widely support government efforts to address the root causes of illness.

Source: Daily Mail, 24 April 2025

See also: the full report, The Health Mandate ([link removed]) from the IPPR.
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** BBC analysis highlights Trading Standards’ success in tackling illegal vape trade

BBC analysis has revealed that Trading Standards teams across England have seized over six million illegal vaping products since 2022, showcasing the growing success of enforcement efforts against the illicit trade. The crackdown comes ahead of a national ban on disposable vapes starting in June.

Officers have uncovered vapes hidden in fridges, false fuse boxes and behind hydraulic panels. These non-compliant products often exceed legal nicotine limits or lack required warnings, posing serious health risks—particularly to young users.

Backed by £10 million in government funding, Trading Standards has intensified inspections, leading to at least 316 shop closures where illegal vapes were involved, and 67 more linked to underage sales. Councils like Hillingdon and Kent reported the highest seizures due to their roles at key border points.

Source: BBC News, 24 April 2025

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** Cancer Research UK chair backs flexible vape rules to protect non-smokers

Lord Stevens of Birmingham has endorsed the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, saying its flexible approach is essential to protect public health—particularly for those who have never smoked. Speaking in the House of Lords, the Cancer Research UK chairman warned that while switching to vaping may benefit smokers, there is no health advantage in non-smokers taking up nicotine.

He described the current shift in industry behaviour as being driven not by genuine reform but by regulatory pressure—a “sword of Damocles”, in his words. To illustrate this, he highlighted a nearby newsagent displaying vapes alongside Pokémon cards at child eye level, arguing this undermines claims of industry change.

Despite concerns from some peers about the wide-ranging powers the Bill grants ministers, several members, including Baroness Merron and Baroness Northover, supported its flexible framework, citing the tobacco industry’s history of resistance to regulation.

Source: Oxford Mail, 23 April 2025
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** Peer credits disposable vapes for quitting smoking ahead of upcoming ban

In a debate on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Baroness Fox of Buckley spoke of how she successfully quit smoking after 40 years by using disposable vapes, as she expressed concern in the House of Lords over their impending ban on 1 June. The peer described how sweet-flavoured vapes, specifically banana and strawberry, played a key role in her transition away from cigarettes, following advice from two doctors.

While acknowledging the government’s environmental concerns—such as the litter and toxic components associated with single-use vapes—she raised concerns that excessive regulation of vapes could deter adult smokers from switching and noted the importance of flavours in smoking cessation.

The disposable vapes ban, which comes into force in June, will still permit refillable and rechargeable devices. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill also introduces powers to regulate flavouring and prohibit the advertising of nicotine products. Ministers argue the measures are necessary to address underage vaping and environmental harm.

Source: The Standard, 24 April 2025
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** Darlington considers introducing smokefree outdoor seating

Darlington Borough Council is reviewing its pavement café regulations to include a ban on smoking in outdoor seating areas across the town centre. The initiative, aimed at making alfresco environments more appealing and drawing increased footfall, has received mixed feedback. While some responses to the consultation expressed concerns about potential impacts on trade, citing fears of reduced custom and the loss of smoking-friendly spaces, there has been notable support for the move, especially on health grounds.

Supporters highlight the benefits of a smoke-free environment, stressing its positive implications for public health and the overall dining experience. They point out that second-hand smoke can be unpleasant and intrusive for non-smokers, particularly when trying to enjoy outdoor leisure spaces. The updated policy would also permit businesses to decide on allowing vaping and introduces further changes such as extended opening hours and the removal of a food service requirement.

The proposed measures will be considered by the council’s licensing committee in the coming week.

Source: BBC News, 23 April 2025
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** International
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** BAT Kushtia workers protest over 22-point labour demand

Seasonal workers at the British American Tobacco (BAT) Leaf Factory in Kushtia staged a sit-in on 23 April 2025 to demand action on 22 labour-related issues, including the issuance of appointment letters, settlement of provident funds and gratuity, and payment of profit shares dating back to 2012.

The demonstration began at 8am near the Chowrhas intersection and continued throughout the day. Workers marched with banners and gathered at the factory’s main gate, occupying nearly half a kilometre of road. They warned that a larger sit-in, involving their families, would follow if their demands are not met.

The workers cited the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 as the basis for their demands and noted that the Ministry of Labour and Employment had issued a directive on 17 April 2025, instructing BAT to reinstate 144 seasonal workers and address other concerns within three working days. Despite this, BAT reportedly took no action and proceeded with launching the new tobacco season.

Source: The Business Standard, 23 April 2025

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** Parliamentary activity
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** Debate: Second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Peers debated the Tobacco and Vapes Bill for the first time.

Baroness Merron, Health Minister, emphasised the Bill’s goal of creating a smoke-free generation. She underlined the importance of flexible regulation to curb youth vaping, while supporting the use of vaping as a cessation aid for adult smokers.

Lord Kamall, leading on the Bill for the opposition, supported the aims of the Bill to reduce harm but cautioned against overregulation. He called for a careful balance, ensuring that adult smokers are not discouraged from switching to less harmful alternatives like vaping.

Lord Young of Cookham backed the Bill’s generational smoking ban, comparing libertarian opposition to that against seatbelts and supported a “polluter pays” model, making the tobacco industry fund the consequences of its products.

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff stressed the dangers of nicotine addiction, especially for children, and strongly supported measures to limit access and advertising that targets young people.

Lord Bethell called for the Government to be bold in not just reducing smoking to below 5% but to eradicating it completely- proposing a target year of 2040.

Baroness Northover pointed to the tobacco industry’s longstanding efforts to undermine regulation, and praised the Bill’s flexible powers to respond to future industry tactics.

Lord Rennard highlighted the broader economic and health costs of smoking, supported a levy on tobacco industry profits, and called for enhanced cessation measures, including health warnings on individual cigarettes.

Lord Faulkner of Worcester rebutted arguments from the industry that the legislation would leave to an increase in the black market or be problematic for retailers. He also suggested removing existing exemptions for cigar lounges, which are flouting the 2007 smoking ban.

Baroness Natalie Bennett raised the issue of cigarette filters and the health fraud they perpetrate and called for a ban on all filters.

The debate reflected broad cross-party support for the Bill and shared objectives to protect young people, reduce health inequalities, and hold the tobacco industry accountable. Powerful personal testimonies underscored the urgent need for bold preventative measures.


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** Consultation: Men's Health Strategy

The UK government has launched a 12-week public consultation to help shape England’s first dedicated strategy for men’s health. The aim is to address persistent gaps in life expectancy and ensure men’s unique health needs are better understood and supported.`
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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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