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NHS reforms could see GPs take control of hospitals
The UK government is set to unveil sweeping changes to the NHS, including the possibility of GPs overseeing local hospitals as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has suggested that the outdated distinction between hospital and GP services could be eliminated, with successful GPs taking on leadership roles in hospital management. Streeting highlighted the need for a shift towards proactive, community-based care, where GPs and nurses play a central role in preventing illness and managing health at the local level.
These proposals are part of the government’s 10-year plan aimed at reducing the 7.4 million-strong patient waiting list. The NHS is also receiving an additional £29 billion in funding, although challenges remain in meeting key targets, such as reducing elective care waiting times.
Source: The Times, 12 June 2025
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Councillor urges action on stark health inequality in Northamptonshire
A local councillor has raised concerns after new data revealed a significant disparity in life expectancy between neighbourhoods in West Northamptonshire. The statistics, based on census data, show that men in less affluent areas can expect to live over a decade less than those in wealthier parts of the region. Women also face a marked difference, although the gap is smaller. The council has acknowledged the complexity of the issue and affirmed its commitment to addressing it in collaboration with local communities and partners.
Source: BBC, 12 June 2025
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Tobacco and vape industry voices express concern over the impact of regulations
This article in the Convenience Store sets out a series of tobacco and vaping industry claims about the impact of increased regulation on retailers and illicit trade. Tobacco industry sources claim that 78% of retailers fear a proposed generational smoking ban will drive more illegal tobacco into local areas, and that 80% of smokers purchased illicit tobacco in 2023.
Vape manufacturer Elfbar has warned that around two million UK adults could revert to illicit single-use vapes or even smoking if the Tobacco and Vapes Bill imposes strict flavour restrictions. The industry further argues that banning disposable vapes is likely to drive-up black-market activity involving unregulated single-use products.
Source: Convenience Store, 13 June 2025
See also: ASH – Tobacco Tactics
Editorial note:
This article draws heavily on industry spokespeople and relies on misleading figures and polling published by tobacco or vaping manufacturers. The tobacco industry has a long history of falsely claiming that tobacco control policies will boost the illicit market. This is one of the many tactics they use to undermine tobacco control and to protect their profits from regulation.
ASH polling carried out by the market research agency NEMS found that over half (51%) of independent tobacco retailers supported the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, nearly double those opposed (26%), with almost two thirds supporting a smokefree generation (65%).
The claim that 80% of smokers purchase illicit tobacco comes from a survey run by the Tobacco Manufacturers Association, which includes all the main tobacco companies. There is no independent evidence to support this claim. Independent survey findings published in the BMJ found that around 10% of smokers reported using illicit tobacco in 2022 in England. As regulation and enforcement have increased, the number of illicit purchases has gone down. Since 2000/01 the number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the UK has fallen from 15 billion to 1.5 billion in 2022/23. See the Minister for Public Health and Prevention’s written response to MP Lee Anderson’s question on Alcoholic Drinks and Smoking: Sales for a detailed breakdown of the illicit market.
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Opinion: The surprising return of smoking in popular culture
Writing in the Times, US correspondent, Josie Ensor discusses the surprising resurgence of smoking in pop culture. Ensor points out how cigarettes, once associated with health risks and cultural stigma, are making a comeback in the public eye - partly due to their portrayal by influential celebrities.
Ensor argues this revival can be linked to a rejection of modern wellness culture, with some younger people turning to smoking as a form of rebellion against the prevailing trends of health-conscious living. The nostalgia for classic, rebellious figures from the past, such as James Dean, may also play a role in the renewed allure of smoking. Ensor believes this trend is being amplified on social media platforms, where photos and videos of celebrities smoking are increasingly common.
Source: The Times, 12 June 2025
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EU considers sharp rise in tobacco taxes amid health push
The European Commission is weighing a major increase in tobacco taxes, including a 139% rise on cigarettes and 258% on rolling tobacco, in an effort to curb smoking and regulate alternative products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. While heated tobacco would face lower taxes, some countries argue these products should not be treated the same as traditional cigarettes.
Source: Euractiv, 12 June 2025
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Speech: Health Secretary Wes Streeting speaks at NHS ConfedExpo 2025
In this NHS ConfedExpo 2025 speech, Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting outlines the Government’s decade-long strategy to transform the NHS. The strategy includes shifting more services out of hospitals and into community and digital settings, devolving power to frontline leaders, reducing bureaucracy, and linking NHS funding more directly to patient outcomes.
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Substack: Peter Kellner on fighting big tobacco
Writing in his Substack, Peter Kellner, former trustee of ASH and former President of YouGov, presents a compelling case that public support for anti-smoking legislation in Britain remains robust—even as smoking has become less common. Kellner draws on extensive polling, particularly new YouGov data commissioned by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), to argue that the political climate still strongly favours tighter tobacco control measures, including more ambitious “endgame” strategies.
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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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