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Opinion: Experts argue prevention must be central to NHS reform, not an afterthought
In this opinion piece published in HSJ, Dr Jonathan Pearson-Stuttard and Lord James Bethell argue that prevention remains undervalued in UK health policy, despite its well-documented benefits and growing public support.
The authors make the case that primary prevention is often both the most effective and the most equitable. They highlight past successes such as the smoking ban and the soft drinks industry levy and suggest that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is a key next step for England. They also argue that secondary prevention – preventing the progression of disease - is too often limited. The authors highlight obesity as an example of this failure, noting new treatments and potential productivity gains that aren’t being fully capitalised on. They also point to public demand outpacing NHS provision.
They propose the 10-Year Health Plan should support new multi-sector models—including government co-investment and employer partnerships—and call for the creation of an NHS Prevention Unit. Without this shift, they warn, inequalities may deepen and the opportunity for national prosperity through better health will be missed.
Source: HSJ, 27 June 2025
See also: The Guardian - Downing Street’s radical plan for the NHS: shifting it from treatment to prevention | The King’s Fund – What is prevention in health?
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Labour-linked business group faces questions over ties to big corporations and tobacco
SME4Labour, a group claiming to represent small and medium-sized businesses and endorsed by senior Labour figures, is facing scrutiny for its connections to large multinationals, including tobacco companies. Founded by restaurateur Ibrahim Dogus, the group hosts high-profile fundraising events attended by cabinet ministers and party leaders.
SME4Labour’s recent clients were found to be major corporations including tobacco giant Imperial Brands. It has also stated that it’s ‘supporters’ include Amazon, Deliveroo and Airbnb. At a recent roundtable organised by the group in the House of Lords, issues were raised regarding the Tobacco and Vapes Bill’s impact on retailers.
Critics have highlighted outdated small business policies on its platforms and questioned the transparency of its financial accounts. SME4Labour maintains it is open about its funding, but concerns remain over its influence and role between lobbying and political fundraising.
Source: The Times, 27 June 2025
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Wales to introduce nationwide lung cancer screening for smokers
The Welsh government has announced plans to roll out a lung cancer screening programme for current and former smokers aged 55 to 74, starting in 2027. The initiative follows a successful pilot that detected several early-stage cases and aims to improve outcomes by identifying the disease before symptoms appear. Those screened as part of the programme will also be provided with smoking cessation support. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality in Wales, with rates particularly high in more deprived areas.
A similar screening programme is set to be fully introduced in England by 2029, targeting the same age group of former and current smokers. The Welsh programme is expected to cost around £13 million annually and will become the country’s fourth population-wide cancer screening initiative.
Source: BBC News, 28 June 2025
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Government urges supermarkets to promote healthier food choices to tackle obesity
The UK government has unveiled plans to work with supermarkets and food manufacturers to make healthy food more accessible and appealing, aiming to reduce obesity rates. Retailers will be encouraged to use promotions, loyalty schemes, and store layouts to encourage consumers toward healthier options, while also reporting on healthy food sales to improve accountability. The strategy is part of the forthcoming 10-year NHS plan.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the approach as collaborative, emphasising partnerships with businesses over strict regulation. The government hopes modest calorie reductions could lift hundreds of thousands of children and millions of adults out of obesity. Additional measures include expanding digital weight management programmes and exploring tighter alcohol advertising rules.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, welcomed the focus on businesses, highlighting the systemic challenges that make healthy eating difficult, rather than placing responsibility solely on individuals.
Sarah Woolnough of The King’s Fund cautioned that the impact may be limited, noting that much unhealthy food is bought from local convenience stores and takeaways. She added that the initiative will need to be part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to be effective.
Source: BBC News, 29 June 2025
See also: OHA Statement - Healthy Food Revolution to Tackle Obesity Epidemic - Obesity Health Alliance | The King’s Fund - The King's Fund comments on measures in the government’s forthcoming NHS 10 Year Plan to tackle obesity through incentivising healthier food choices
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Kenvue and Boots launch quit support pilot for smokers and vapers in Manchester
Kenvue, the maker of Nicorette, has launched a new in-store initiative in partnership with Boots to support people in Manchester looking to quit smoking or vaping. The "Stopping Starts Here" programme is being piloted in ten Boots locations across the city. It offers a 12-week quit plan, personalised one-to-one advice, and guidance from trained pharmacy staff. With research showing high intent to quit among Manchester vapers, the scheme aims to boost success rates. The initiative also contributes to Manchester’s broader goal of becoming a smoke-free region.
Source: Manchester Evening News, 27 June 2025
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Advertising executive calls for vaping rooms in offices
Speaking on the Smokeless World podcast, sponsored by British American Tobacco, Ogilvy vice-chair Rory Sutherland has said employers should offer dedicated indoor spaces for staff who vape, arguing that forcing them to join smokers outside increases the risk of relapse for those trying to quit cigarettes. He criticised campaigners who want to ban vaping and suggested that opposition to vaping comes from people without personal experience of smoking. While vaping is not restricted under the UK’s smoke-free laws, workplace rules vary.
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France bans smoking at beaches and parks to protect children from passive smoke
A new law in France now prohibits smoking on beaches, in parks, and near schools, libraries, swimming pools, and bus shelters, as part of an effort to shield children from second-hand smoke. The ban came into force just before the school holidays, although it does not extend to bar and restaurant terraces—prompting criticism from some anti-smoking advocates. Offenders may face fines up to €700. The move is part of the government's broader plan to create a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032, amid falling smoking rates and ongoing public support for stricter tobacco controls.
Source: The Guardian, 29 June 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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