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** 19 May 2025
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** UK
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Heart health crisis worsens as obesity and treatment delays grow (#1)


** Government dropped healthy food guidance after lobbying by processed food giants (#2)
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** UK faces potential influx of cheaper Chinese vapes amid US trade tariffs (#3)
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** Grimsby woman shares powerful story of recovery after quitting decades-long smoking habit (#4)
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** Analysis shows inequalities in smoking cessation spending across London (#5)
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** International
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** Opinion: Tobacco-related illnesses threatens population health across Africa amid rising youth uptake and weak regulation (#6)
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** Parliamentary Activity
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** Written questions (#7)
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** UK
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**
Heart health crisis worsens as obesity and treatment delays grow

New data from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) suggests the UK is experiencing its steepest decline in cardiovascular health in over half a century, driven largely by increasing obesity, diabetes, and strain on healthcare services. Since 2019, heart-related deaths among working-age adults have surged by nearly a fifth, alongside a marked increase in heart failure and atrial fibrillation diagnoses. The number of individuals living with diabetes—a major contributor to heart disease—has also risen significantly.

These trends coincide with mounting delays in accessing cardiac care, with waiting lists for treatment expanding sharply across the UK. After decades of improvement in heart health, experts warn that these setbacks, exacerbated health inequalities, the COVID-19 pandemic, and underinvestment, risk undoing years of progress. The BHF is calling for a renewed focus on innovation and prevention, leveraging advances in science and technology to address the crisis and reduce avoidable deaths.

Source: Daily Mail, 19 May 2025

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** Government dropped healthy food guidance after lobbying by processed food giants

The Conservative Government removed guidance in 2023 encouraging retailers to promote minimally processed, nutritious food, following pressure from multinational food companies. Initially included to support new rules restricting junk food promotions, the advice aimed to help families access healthier options more affordably.

However, lobbying by the Food and Drink Federation—whose members include major ultra-processed food producers—led to its removal. The current guidance only refers to promoting “healthier options,” a term experts warn still encompasses many ultra-processed items. Internal emails reveal sustained industry efforts to rewrite the policy, which they felt unfairly framed processed foods as inherently unhealthy. Although the regulations targeting high-fat, salt and sugar products remain, the shift in tone has sparked concerns that public health goals have been undermined in favour of corporate interests.

Source: The Guardian, 17 May 2025

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UK faces potential influx of cheaper Chinese vapes amid US trade tariffs

As US import duties on Chinese vapes soar, British experts warn that exports may be targeted towards the UK. This shift coincides with the UK's upcoming ban on disposable vapes, aimed at reducing environmental harm and youth use. However, manufacturers are rapidly introducing new products that meet the letter of the law but not its spirit.

These devices are technically classified as "vape kits" because they are rechargeable and feature replaceable pods and coils. Despite this, they closely resemble disposables in appearance and price, sparking concerns they will continue to be used and discarded in the same way. A Guardian investigation found refill pods were difficult to obtain, with only two of 30 shops visited in London and Manchester stocking them, casting doubt on how feasible it will be for users to actually reuse the new models.

Source: The Guardian, 19 May 2025
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**
Grimsby woman shares powerful story of recovery after quitting decades-long smoking habit

A Grimsby resident who began smoking at just 12 years old has shared her journey of overcoming tobacco addiction after undergoing treatment for two smoking-related cancers. Now 53, she successfully gave up smoking with the help of vaping, shortly before lung surgery revealed her lungs were in good enough condition to support treatment. Motivated by concern for her family, she is now urging others to seek support to stop smoking. Her experience is part of a regional campaign aimed at encouraging people to quit, as smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable death in the UK, particularly in areas with high smoking rates such as Humber and North Yorkshire.

Source: Grimsby Telegraph, 19 May 2025

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** Analysis shows inequalities in smoking cessation spending across London

An, in year, partial analysis of London borough investment in smoking cessation has found large disparities in investment, with the highest-spending council allocating more than 30 times as much per successful quitter as the lowest. Between April and December 2024, Westminster spent over £8,000 per person who quit, while Brent spent just £273.

The article raises concerns about unequal access to quitting support, especially in more deprived communities, and criticised current methods of tracking success, which may not reflect long-term outcomes. As the government prepares to introduce tighter tobacco laws and additional funding, there are calls for more targeted, consistent, and inclusive strategies to help reduce smoking rates across the capital.

Source: NE Londoner, 16 May 2025

Editorial note: This analysis only uses a partial year of data. The way different local authorities report expenditure across the year can vary. Looking at the last available annual data from the same source used in this article (23/24) the variation between London local authorities is far narrower. The annual data can be viewed here ([link removed]) .

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** International
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** Opinion: Tobacco-related illnesses threatens population health across Africa amid rising youth uptake and weak regulation

Tobacco use is rapidly increasing across Africa, particularly among young people, as smoking and vaping become more visible and socially accepted. Historically low smoking rates on the continent are being replaced by a growing trend, fuelled by targeted marketing from tobacco companies seeking new markets.

Cultural shifts, lax enforcement of tobacco control laws, and a lack of public education are exacerbating the issue. Health systems across Africa are underprepared for the projected surge in tobacco-related diseases, which include cancers, heart conditions, and respiratory illnesses. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, the region could face a public health crisis driven by preventable harm.

Source: The Punch Nigeria, 19 May 2025
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** Parliamentary Activity
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Written questions

Asked by, Sir John Hayes, Conservative, South Holland and the Deepings.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an illicit tobacco taskforce.

Answered by James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Labour, Ealing North.

In the illicit tobacco strategy titled ‘Stubbing out the problem(opens in a new tab) ([link removed]) ’, the Government committed to establishing a multi-agency illicit tobacco taskforce to co-ordinate enforcement activity, involving staff from HMRC, Border Force and Trading Standards and working closely with other law enforcement and intelligence partners. This team is now in place and contributing to efforts to tackle illicit tobacco across all relevant departments.

Source: UK Parliament, 16 May 2025.

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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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