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** 2 June 2025
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** UK
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** New polling shows overwhelming public backing for tougher action on tobacco (#1)
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** UK peer criticised for attempting to delay heated tobacco ban following industry-funded trip (#2)
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** Medical journals criticised for publishing tobacco-linked research (#3)
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** UK introduces ban on disposable vapes to curb youth vaping and environmental harm (#4)
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** Vapers warned not to stockpile disposables ahead of UK ban (#5)
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** Experts warn UK vape ban may fail to reduce youth usage or e-waste (#6)
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** NHS faces funding shortfall risk, warns Health Foundation (#7)
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** Opinion: The Guardian view on alcohol and public health (#8)
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** Vape ban may struggle to take hold as illicit sales and new products undermine goals (#9)
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** International
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** Global crises delay tobacco control efforts, report warns (#10)
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** UK
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** New polling shows overwhelming public backing for tougher action on tobacco

Writing in The Grocer, Peter Kellner, former YouGov president and ASH trustee, discusses the findings from new polling commissioned by ASH and conducted by YouGov. Kellner notes that the survey, which asked 11,000 adults in England their views on tobacco control policy, found strong cross-party support for further legislative reforms aimed at reducing smoking rates and protecting public health.

Among the findings, 59% of adults support banning smoking in outdoor seating areas of pubs, cafés and restaurants — a policy supported even by 46% of Reform UK voters. The majority also favours a levy on tobacco companies to fund cessation services and youth prevention, with 76% overall in favour and 55% of smokers backing the idea.

Crucially, 68% of respondents support raising the age of sale annually, a policy that would phase out tobacco sales for future generations and create a so-called "smokefree generation".

Kellner highlights the disconnect between public opinion and the government’s current position, noting that Wes Streeting's decision to drop plans for extending smoking bans to outdoor venues ignores a significant appetite for change. He argues that hospitality has adapted well since the indoor smoking ban and that evidence shows 38% of people would be more likely to visit smoke-free outdoor spaces.

Marking World No Tobacco Day, Kellner concludes that it is both popular and practical to pursue stricter tobacco regulation, urging ministers to act decisively in line with public sentiment.

Source: The Grocer, 31 May 2025 See also:

ASH - Majority of Public Support Smokefree Generation as New Polling Shows Overwhelming Public Backing for Tougher Action on Tobacco ([link removed]) | Report: Public support for a smokefree society ([link removed])
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** UK peer criticised for attempting to delay heated tobacco ban following industry-funded trip

Conservative peer Lord Ed Vaizey is facing criticism after proposing an amendment to the UK’s upcoming generational tobacco sales ban that could exclude heated tobacco products. The amendment comes shortly after Vaizey visited the Swiss research facility of Philip Morris International—a trip paid for by the company. His proposal has alarmed health experts, who say it risks undermining the landmark legislation designed to phase out smoking for future generations.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of public health charity Action on Smoking and Health, strongly criticised the move, warning that “any loopholes will be ruthlessly exploited by an industry with a profound commercial conflict of interest.” She urged lawmakers to exercise caution and not accept the tobacco industry’s claims without scrutiny. Cheeseman and other experts insist that heated tobacco products must be included in the ban to prevent backdoor routes and loopholes.

The situation highlights wider efforts by the tobacco industry to influence policy around the world, often through lobbying, marketing, and paid trips for legislators.

Source: The Examination, 1 June 2025

See also: ASH – Tobacco Tactics ([link removed]) | The Guardian - Tory peer proposed delay on heated tobacco ban after Philip Morris visit ([link removed])
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** Medical journals criticised for publishing tobacco-linked research

A new investigation has found that only 20% of leading medical journals have policies that prohibit publishing studies funded by the tobacco industry, despite its long record of manipulating health science. Among 40 journals surveyed across general medicine, respiratory, oncology, and cardiology, just eight had such restrictions. Enforcement remains a challenge, especially as tobacco companies increasingly fund research via subsidiaries in pharmaceuticals and health technology.

Professor Nick Hopkinson of Imperial College London warned that failing to sever ties with firms acquired by tobacco companies effectively aids their business. The BMJ Group, which already bans tobacco-funded research, has now extended its policy to exclude work by authors with personal financial links to the industry in an effort to uphold scientific credibility.

Source: News Medical, 1 June 2025.
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** UK introduces ban on disposable vapes to curb youth vaping and environmental harm

A new law banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes came into effect in the UK on Sunday, targeting the environmental damage and rising youth vaping rates associated with single-use e-cigarettes. This move follows concerns that colourful, inexpensive disposables have increased youth uptake. The disposal of single-use vapes has also contributed to environmental harm, with millions of devices being improperly discarded each week, potentially leaking harmful chemicals and causing fires.

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, highlighted that while the ban may help reduce waste, it would not fully address the appeal of vaping to young people until further regulations—specifically the Tobacco and Vapes Bill—are enacted. Cheeseman emphasised that the attraction of vapes, driven by their bright colours, accessibility, and low prices, needs to be tackled through stronger controls to prevent further youth uptake.

Source: BBC News, 1 June 2025

See also: ASH - The 2025 Disposable Vapes Ban: What You Need to Know ([link removed])
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** Vapers warned not to stockpile disposables ahead of UK ban

As the UK implements their ban on single-use disposable vapes, experts have cautioned against hoarding these products due to the fire risks associated with improper storage. The Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted that lithium-ion batteries in these vapes could become dangerous if not stored correctly.

Source: The Guardian, 31 May 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Experts warn UK vape ban may fail to reduce youth usage or e-waste

The UK’s ban on single-use disposable vapes could fall short of addressing both youth vaping and environmental harm, experts warn. While the ban targets non-rechargeable vapes, many brands have launched reusable versions that closely resemble disposables.

Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health expressed concern that the new reusable vapes are so inexpensive that they may still be treated as disposable by users, increasing the risk of continued misuse.

Source: Financial Times, 1 June 2025
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** NHS faces funding shortfall risk, warns Health Foundation

The Health Foundation has warned that without an annual funding increase of at least 2.5%, the NHS in England will continue to struggle, only meeting urgent needs and remaining stuck in a cycle of crises. The Health Foundation highlighted the anticipated rise in people living with serious health conditions, including cancer and diabetes, with projections suggesting that by 2040, 9.3 million people will be affected, an increase of 2.6 million from 2019.

The think-tank stressed the need for substantial investments in both social care and preventative measures, as well as capital funding to improve infrastructure. These increases are vital to ensure the NHS can implement long-term reforms and meet future demand.

Source: Financial Times, 2 June 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Opinion: The Guardian view on alcohol and public health

In a recent editorial, The Guardian argues that the UK’s forthcoming 10-year health plan must take an informed stance on alcohol-related harm. With alcohol-related deaths hitting a record high of 10,473 in 2023—particularly affecting men and older adults in Scotland and Northern Ireland—the editorial stresses the urgency of meaningful policy action.

The Guardian underscores growing international pressure, including from the World Health Organization, for governments to implement evidence-based measures such as minimum unit pricing, increased taxation, and advertising restrictions. Despite this, the UK government has so far resisted introducing minimum pricing in England.

The editorial warns that pushback from the alcohol industry is inevitable, with lobbyists using advertising campaigns to promote moderate drinking as safe. The Guardian calls for policymakers to prioritise public health over industry interests in shaping any national strategy.

Source: The Guardian, 1 June 2025
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** Vape ban may struggle to take hold as illicit sales and new products undermine goals

Despite the new ban on disposable vapes in England, many retailers continued to sell them, citing confusion and financial concerns. The law, aimed at reducing youth vaping and environmental damage, faces challenges as manufacturers adapt by introducing new models that bypass the ban. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, warned that the regulations may not be enough and emphasised the need for further measures through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a safer, less harmful vaping market.

Source: MailOnline, 1 June 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** International
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** Global crises delay tobacco control efforts, report warns

A report from ASH Canada endorsed by 57 campaign groups highlights how global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, and climate change, have hindered efforts to reduce tobacco use. Governments had planned a 30% reduction in smoking rates by 2025 as part of sustainable development targets, but the timeline was extended due to these competing priorities. The delay in implementing the World Health Organization’s tobacco control treaty will result in an estimated 95 million people continuing to smoke, potentially causing millions of additional deaths.

Source: Reuters, 30 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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