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** 18 July 2025
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** UK
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Study reveals UK smokers still consume over 78 million cigarettes daily (#1)
Former shopkeeper jailed for selling tens of thousands of illicit cigarettes (#2)
York activist challenges vape litter as calls grow for better recycling (#3)


** International
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FDA allows Juul to keep selling tobacco and menthol vapes in US (#4)


** Links of the Week
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Applications are open for funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research for research on the impact of public policy on e-cigarette use (#5)
Bury FC launches pitch-side campaign to help fans quit smoking (#6)
Long read: Shifting to prevention: how integrated care systems can tackle cardiovascular disease (#7)
Parliament’s Health and Social Care Committee launch new inquiry into prevention and treatment of obesity (#8)


** UK
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** Study reveals UK smokers still consume over 78 million cigarettes daily

New research by University College London, funded by Cancer Research UK, has shown that Britons smoked an estimated 28.6 billion cigarettes in 2024, averaging about 10 per person daily, with higher consumption in the North East and Scotland. The findings highlight differences by region and social background, with disadvantaged groups smoking more heavily. Experts warned this level of smoking continues to harm public health and the environment. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), stated that “since Parliament last debated the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, an estimated 6.7 billion cigarettes have been smoked in the UK” and urged the Government to prioritise passing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, as the Government has a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a smoke free future, and it must not be squandered.” Campaigners stressed that despite falling smoking rates, urgent action remains vital to protect health and reduce inequality.

Source: MailOnline, 18 July 2025
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** Former shopkeeper jailed for selling tens of thousands of illicit cigarettes

A 36-year-old man from Spalding has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after being found with over 77,000 illegal cigarettes and 16kg of hand rolling tobacco. The offender, who previously ran a shop that had twice been shut down by authorities, continued his illegal trade by selling cigarettes from his car and hiding stock in a town centre storage container. Trading Standards and police described the case as a clear example of persistent offending despite previous interventions, highlighting the serious impact such crimes have on the community.

Source: BBC News, 17 July 2025
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** York activist challenges vape litter as calls grow for better recycling

Concerned about the environmental harm caused by disposable vapes dumped across York, campaigner Miki Storey has collected thousands from drains and streets while urging shops to provide proper recycling bins as required by law. Despite mixed reactions from retailers, Storey remains determined to tackle what he sees as a growing waste crisis threatening young people’s future. Fellow resident Tracy Ostle also gathers discarded vapes but struggles to find accessible recycling facilities, highlighting wider issues in disposal infrastructure.

Source: BBC News, 16 July 2025
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** International
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** FDA allows Juul to keep selling tobacco and menthol vapes in US

US health regulators have decided that Juul may continue marketing its tobacco- and menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes, following evidence suggesting these products can help adult smokers switch away from traditional cigarettes. The decision comes after years of legal battles and criticism linking the brand to a surge in youth vaping. Juul had previously withdrawn its fruit-flavoured options blamed for attracting underage users. Although Juul’s popularity has waned amid stricter regulation and increased competition, the company still seeks approval for future devices and flavours. The FDA stressed its ruling is not an endorsement and that non-smokers should avoid e-cigarettes altogether.

Source: The Independent, 17 July 2025
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** Links of the Week
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** Applications are open for funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research for research on the impact of public policy on e-cigarette use

The National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Public Health Research Programme is looking to fund research on the effects of potential public policy on the use of e-cigarettes. The first stage of the application is open online.

Source: NIHR, 15 July 2025
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** Bury FC launches pitch-side campaign to help fans quit smoking

Bury FC has teamed up with Bury Council’s Public Health Team to introduce anti-smoking messages at Gigg Lane, encouraging supporters to consider quitting. This pilot initiative links sport and community health by guiding fans to local stop smoking services. This campaign is part of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership’s ‘Making Smoking History’ initiative, which aims to reduce smoking rates across the region. It also supports a broader regional goal to reduce tobacco harm. Club staff and public health officials hope the campaign will turn the stadium into a space that inspires healthier choices among residents and fans alike.

Source: Bury FC, 1 July 2025
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** Long read: Shifting to prevention: how integrated care systems can tackle cardiovascular disease

The Kings Fund have urged for cardiovascular disease prevention to be prioritised by Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of preventable deaths and economic strain in England, despite clear evidence that early intervention can save lives and reduce costs. The Kings Fund argue that ICSs are key to tackling this challenge, but current prevention work is insufficient. The Kings Fund are calling for stronger local partnerships, better use of data, practical support for GPs, and bold national leadership to embed prevention into everyday care. The Kings Fund has also argued that local action on cardiovascular disease needs to be backed by stronger national initiatives on risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and obesity. Addressing cardiovascular effectively would also narrow health inequalities and cut the risk of other serious illnesses.

Source: The King’s Fund, 16 July 2025

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** Parliament’s Health and Social Care Committee launch new inquiry into prevention and treatment of obesity
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** The Health and Social Care Committee have opened an inquiry into obesity, after the 10 Year Health Plan pledged to "launch a moonshot to end the obesity epidemic.” The investigation will assess which past policies have been effective and which have struggled, explore effective public health strategies, and examine what more can be done to improve access to affordable, healthy food. It will also look at the NHS’s approach to supporting people who are overweight, including the use of weight management drugs. The inquiry is inviting written evidence submissions.
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**
Source: UK Parliament, 17 July 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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