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** 28 May 2025
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** UK
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** Ban on disposables unlikely to curb vaping habits or waste (#1)
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** New report raises concerns over health impact of disposable vape ban (#2)
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** Vapers express concern and stockpile ahead of UK disposable ban (#3)
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** Call for cannabis law overhaul highlights inequality and urges refocus on public health (#4)
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** Opinion: Labour's opportunity to tackle child poverty through targeted policy (#5)
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** International
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** EU weighs overhaul of tobacco tax rules amid member state divide (#6)
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** Taiwan urged to tighten tobacco control measures (#7)
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** Spain: Public backs tighter smoking restrictions and tax rises, survey finds (#8)
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** UK
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** Ban on disposables unlikely to curb vaping habits or waste

With the upcoming ban on disposable vapes in the UK set to take effect on 1 June, many shops anticipate that customers will continue to treat rechargeable devices as single-use, undermining the ban’s environmental intentions. Confusion remains widespread among sellers regarding which products will remain legal, with near-identical vapes varying in compliance based on subtle features.

Although the move aims to reduce waste and youth vaping, experts warn its impact may be limited. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, emphasised that the appeal of these products to young people stems not from their disposability but from their affordability, visibility, and ease of use — traits still present in post-ban models. She argues that further regulation will be needed using powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to meaningfully reduce youth vaping.

Source: The Sunday Times, 24 May 2025

See also: ASH - The 2025 Disposable Vapes Ban: What You Need to Know ([link removed])
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** New report raises concerns over health impact of disposable vape ban

A new report warns that the upcoming ban on disposable vapes could unintentionally drive people back to smoking unless additional support measures are put in place. While the legislation is intended to curb environmental harm and reduce underage vaping, polling of 4,393 British adults carried out by the Future Health Research Centre suggests that 12% of users may return to cigarettes.

The findings show that disposable devices are especially popular among young adults, with many planning to switch to other vape types, but a concerning minority indicating they may resume smoking. 54% said they would switch to another vape, 15% plan to stop vaping completely, and 9% will try licensed nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum. The report, commissioned by Kenvue, the makers of Nicorette, urges the government to introduce further measures, such as a public health campaign and clearer regulation of vape marketing, to mitigate these risks and keep people on track with quitting smoking.

Source: Daily Mail, 27 May 2025

See also: Future Health Research Centre - Can the disposable vape ban take us closer to a smokefree future? ([link removed])
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** Vapers express concern and stockpile ahead of UK disposable ban

As the UK prepares to outlaw disposable vapes from 1 June, some users are stockpiling supplies amid concerns they will struggle to adapt to alternatives. The ban, introduced to combat environmental waste and youth nicotine use, has prompted anxiety for some ex-smokers who credit disposables for helping them quit cigarettes. Sales of disposables have increased as consumers prepare for the change.

While officials argue the ban supports environmental and public health goals, retailers and users alike are calling for clear guidance and support to ensure smoking cessation efforts are not undermined.

Source: BBC News, 24 May 2025
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** Call for cannabis law overhaul highlights inequality and urges refocus on public health

A new report from the London Drugs Commission, endorsed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, has recommended decriminalising possession of small amounts of cannabis, arguing that current laws disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and divert resources from more pressing public health issues—especially tobacco use. The report proposes removing natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act and regulating it under different legislation, while maintaining sanctions against supply and dealing.

While the report touches on the potential risks of cannabis, it urges authorities to address these through education and health services. Importantly, it contrasts this focus with the enduring public health burden of tobacco—still the UK's most harmful legal drug—emphasising that resources should prioritise reducing smoking rates and tobacco-related harm.

Source: BBC News, 28 May 2025

See also: The London Drugs Commission - The Cannabis Conundrum: a way forward for London ([link removed] LDC REPORT - The Cannabis Conundrum 28-5-25.pdf) | ASH – Supplementary written evidence to the Select Committee ([link removed])
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** Opinion: Labour's opportunity to tackle child poverty through targeted policy

Writing in the Guardian, former Labour Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, argues that Labour’s decision to delay the release of its child poverty plan presents a vital opportunity to address the lasting impacts of austerity and undo policies that have deepened inequality. He stresses that only through a comprehensive budget, capable of securing the necessary funding, can Labour effectively reduce child poverty.

Brown acknowledges that while initiatives like breakfast clubs and family hubs offer some support, they cannot undo the damage caused by benefit cuts, especially for families with multiple children. He calls for policies directly targeting the root causes of poverty, such as reversing the two-child benefit rule and imposing taxes on industries like gambling and banking to fund poverty reduction efforts.

With a clear majority of the public supporting a £3bn tax on gambling and banks, Brown believes there is broad agreement on the need to invest in the next generation. He concludes by urging Labour to seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact, prioritising child welfare and ensuring every child has the resources to succeed.

Source: The Guardian, 27 May 2025

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** International
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** EU weighs overhaul of tobacco tax rules amid member state divide

The European Commission is considering revising its outdated tobacco taxation directive, responding to pressure from a coalition of 15 member states calling for reform. These governments argue that the current framework fails to adequately regulate not only traditional tobacco products but also newer alternatives like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, which lack consistent EU-wide tax rules.

The discussion comes amid rising tensions between health and finance ministries over how best to manage taxation and public health priorities, with critics warning that uncoordinated national tax hikes have already fuelled illicit trade and cross-border shopping.

Source: Euractiv, 27 May 2025
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** Taiwan urged to tighten tobacco control measures

The Alliance of Banning Cigarettes Taiwan has called for stricter tobacco control ahead of World No Tobacco Day, urging the government to ban flavoured tobacco, increase cigarette warning label sizes, and address online promotion of nicotine products. They criticised slow government action on these fronts and proposed plain packaging for cigarettes.

Despite ongoing inspections by the Health Promotion Administration, the alliance stressed that stronger measures are needed to combat the tobacco industry's marketing tactics and reduce smoking-related illnesses, which cause over 25,000 deaths annually in Taiwan.

Source: Taipei Times, 27 May 2025
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** Spain: Public backs tighter smoking restrictions and tax rises, survey finds

A new survey commissioned by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine reveals strong public backing for broader smoking bans in outdoor public spaces, such as school entrances, transport stops, terraces, parks and beaches. The study, conducted among 9,500 people, also found widespread support for raising taxes on tobacco and e-cigarettes as a means to reduce smoking rates. Concerns were raised over adolescent vaping, with teenage boys significantly more likely to use vapes than the general population, often combining them with traditional tobacco.

Source: The Olive Press, 27 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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