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** 30 April 2025
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** UK
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** Cuts to NHS England ringfenced budgets threaten services for vulnerable groups (#1)
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** ASH CEO talks vapes on Dr Xand’s Con or Cure (#2)
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** BBC Sounds: PMI CEO accuses governments of rejecting scientific evidence (#3)
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** International
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** USA: Doubts raised over health claims for heated tobacco products (#4)
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** UK
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** Cuts to NHS England ringfenced budgets threaten services for vulnerable groups

Significant reductions to nationally ringfenced NHS England funding are set to impact key areas such as maternity care, mental health, children’s services and disease prevention. The budget for centrally directed service development has been cut from £4.3 billion to £500 million for 2025–26, with the number of protected funding streams halved. NHS England argues the shift gives local systems greater control, as more funds are now embedded within Integrated Care Board allocations. However, the removal of earmarked funding means local bodies may redirect money elsewhere, especially while trying to manage deficits.

Notable losses include over £1 billion previously allocated to mental health initiatives, including school support teams and crisis care, as well as nearly all funding for maternity workforce improvements. Prevention programmes and support for children and young people have also seen steep declines, despite their prominence in recent Government reform agendas. Some areas, such as diabetes technology and primary care guidance, will receive increased support. Critics warn the changes may undermine vital services, particularly those designed to support early intervention and vulnerable groups.

Source: HSJ (Health Service Journal), 29 April 2025
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** ASH CEO talks vapes on Dr Xand’s Con or Cure

From 19:28, Dr Xand Van Tulleken is joined by ASH CEO Hazel Cheeseman to discuss vaping and the benefits and risks of these products. Cheeseman highlights poor public understanding of the risks of vaping compared to smoking, emphasising its effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool and underlining the serious health harms caused by tobacco use.

Source: BBC iPlayer, 29 April 2025

See also: ASH - Vape Myth Buster ([link removed])
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** BBC Sounds: PMI CEO accuses governments of rejecting scientific evidence

In this BBC Sounds episode, Business Reporter David Waddell interviews Philip Morris International (PMI) CEO Jacek Olczak, who claims that government regulations are obstructing the company’s ability to sell other products alongside cigarettes. Olczak argues that both policymakers and public health advocates are hindering PMI’s ability to promote and sell its newer nicotine and tobacco products.

Responding in the programme, Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of ASH, questioned whether PMI deserves favourable treatment for profiting from alternative tobacco and nicotine products. Cheeseman also noted that IQOS, the company’s leading heated tobacco device, likely poses greater health risks than other alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches.

Source: BBC Sounds, 30 April 2025

See also: ASH - Heated tobacco ads are everywhere – how are tobacco companies getting away with it? ([link removed])
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** International
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** USA: Doubts raised over health claims for heated tobacco products

A recent report by tobacco watchdog STOP challenges the tobacco industry's portrayal of heated tobacco products (HTPs) as safer alternatives to conventional cigarettes or effective tools for quitting smoking. The analysis, based on recent scientific reviews and market data, finds no solid evidence that these products reduce health risks or assist with cessation.

Instead, concerns are growing over their potential harms, which include the presence of toxic substances in emissions and risks associated with environmental waste. The report also criticises the industry's marketing strategies that appeal to young people and highlights a lack of independent research, with many studies linked to tobacco companies themselves. Despite claims of transformation, major tobacco firms continue to profit from both cigarette and HTP sales.

Source: STOP, 30 April 2025

See also: STOP - Understanding Heated Tobacco Products: Current Issues and Recent Findings ([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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