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** 23 July 2025
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** UK
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** Why some are choosing cigarettes over vapes despite known dangers (#1)
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** Imperial targets young adults with new compact Blu Box Kit (#2)
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** Stuart Andrew appointed as new Conservative shadow health secretary (#3)
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** Tobacco firm JTI launch campaign to curb illicit tobacco trade (#4)
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** International
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** Papers reveal tobacco and nicotine firms lobbied New Zealand First to shape favourable laws (#5)
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** New Zealand minister cuts heated tobacco tax despite health warnings (#6)
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** Parliamentary
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** Written Questions (#7)
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** UK
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** Why some are choosing cigarettes over vapes despite known dangers

Despite overwhelming evidence that smoking is significantly more harmful than vaping, some people are switching back to cigarettes to reduce or quit their vaping habit. Some former vapers feel they became more dependent on nicotine through constant access to vapes, while cigarettes, with their established risks and social restrictions, help them feel more in control.

Public confusion over the long-term risks of vaping is increasing, with research from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) revealing that most young people now wrongly view vaping as equally or more dangerous than smoking. Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of ASH emphasises that while data on vaping is newer, the evidence already shows it is far less damaging than smoking, which remains a leading cause of premature death. Cheeseman states: “When people feel they vape more than they smoke, this is because the vape delivers nicotine in a different way to cigarettes, not because they are more addicted.”

Some former vapers describe cigarettes as a way to avoid the compulsive nature of vaping, though health experts warn that burning tobacco exposes users to thousands of harmful substances. While vaping is recommended as a quit aid in the UK, especially alongside behavioural support, the trend highlights a growing gap between public perception and medical guidance.

Source: Refinery29, 22 July 2025

Editorial note: The article includes several misleading claims about the health impact from vaping and the effectiveness of vapes for quitting smoking.

A major evidence review published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in 2022 concluded that vaping poses a small fraction ([link removed]) of the risks of smoking in the short and medium term. However, it is not risk-free, particularly for people who have never smoked. The long-term health impacts are currently unknown, although they are likely to be far less harmful than smoking.

The same review found that people who vape are exposed to significantly lower levels of harmful substances linked to cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions than people who smoke.

A 2024 evidence review ([link removed]) published by the Royal College of Physicians concluded that there is “clear evidence that e-cigarettes cause less harm to health than combustible tobacco.”

A major systematic review ([link removed]) concluded that people using nicotine-containing vapes are almost twice as likely to successfully quit smoking than those using other nicotine replacement products, like patches or gum. This ‘living review’ is updated regularly as new evidence emerges, with the latest update in January 2025.

Vaping is recommended as a stop smoking aid by the NHS ([link removed]) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) ([link removed]) .
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** Imperial targets young adults with new compact Blu Box Kit

Imperial Brands has unveiled the Blu Box Kit, a rechargeable vape aimed at younger adults following the ban on disposable products. Retailing at £5.99, the device comes with a 560mAh battery, USB-C charging, and is available in Strawberry Ice, Lemon Lime and Mint flavours.

Designed to appeal to young adults seeking an aesthetically pleasing, discreet, palm-sized vape, the Blu Box Kit delivers up to 1,000 puffs. The device joins Imperial’s existing Blu Bar Kit, broadening the choice of compliant vaping products available.

Source: Better Retailing, 21 July 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** Stuart Andrew appointed as new Conservative shadow health secretary

The Conservative Party has named Stuart Andrew as its new shadow health and social care secretary, replacing Edward Argar, who is stepping back from frontline duties due to health reasons. Andrew, formerly an MP for Pudsey and now representing Daventry, has previously worked at the British Heart Foundation and in the hospice sector. Andrew has held previous government roles covering housing and loneliness, and most recently served as opposition chief whip and shadow culture secretary.

Source: HSJ, 22 July 2025

Editorial note: Stuart Andrew voted for ([link removed]) the Tobacco and Vapes Bill under the previous Conservative government, but against ([link removed]) it under the current Labour government.
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** Tobacco firm JTI launch campaign to curb illicit tobacco trade

Tobacco firm JTI has introduced a new UK-wide campaign urging the government to step up efforts against the illegal tobacco market. JTI’s survey revealed concern about reporting illicit tobacco due to fear of reprisals and a lack of understanding about how to recognise it. The initiative includes resources for retailers, such as guidance on spotting counterfeit products and a template letter to MPs, alongside a broader push for stronger enforcement and policy reforms.

Source: Talking Retail, 22nd July 2025

Editorial note: The tobacco industry has a long history of presenting themselves as partners in tackling the illicit trade and seeking to collaborate with local and national government and enforcement agencies. Tobacco companies also fund private investigators to carry out illicit enforcement activity which is widely briefed to the media. The industry’s main motivation for this activity is to rehabilitate their public image and bolster their efforts to lobby against tax rises and regulation.

As explained by the University of Bath on their Tobacco Tactics page ([link removed]) , JTI portrays itself as a victim of the illicit market, and uses this to argue against tobacco control measures. JTI has previously run campaigns and encouraged retailers to lobby against tobacco control measures. It has also funded studies into the illicit trade which consistently inflate the size of the illicit market.

See also: [link removed]
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** International
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** Papers reveal tobacco and nicotine firms lobbied New Zealand First to shape favourable laws

Recently released documents show that tobacco giant Philip Morris allegedly gave draft legislation to New Zealand First as part of efforts to boost its heated tobacco product IQOS. The party later backed significant tax cuts benefiting the company, despite limited evidence these products aid quitting smoking.

The files also reveal US vaping firm JUUL viewed New Zealand as a strategic ‘lighthouse market’ to influence broader pro-vaping policies. JUUL funded extensive lobbying, met Māori health groups, considered using influencers and sought to shape local regulation to smooth entry into Australia and beyond.

Links between ex-NZ First staff and Philip Morris were highlighted, with former senior NZ First staff members now holding key roles in Philip Morris, while JUUL’s plans ultimately stalled amid global backlash over youth vaping.

Source: RNZ, 22 July 2025

Editorial note: New Zealand was the first country to commit to introducing a generational smoking ban. However, following a general election in 2023 this commitment was abandoned by the incoming Government under pressure from their coalition partners – the libertarian ACT party and New Zealand First. This was despite overwhelming support from the public and all the main political parties.
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** New Zealand minister cuts heated tobacco tax despite health warnings

New Zealand’s Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has halved the excise tax on heated tobacco products to encourage smokers to switch to what she argues are lower-risk alternatives. The decision drew criticism from public health experts who warn it benefits tobacco companies and lacks evidence of helping people quit smoking. Costello also explored loosening rules on other smokeless nicotine products but faced opposition from the Ministry of Health, which highlighted concerns about youth addiction and limited evidence of health benefits. The move follows the government’s earlier decision to drop the previous Labour government’s ambitious smokefree generation plans.

Source: RNZ, 18th July 2024
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** Parliamentary
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** Written Questions

Asked by Charlotte Nichols, Labour, Warrington North

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to encourage the recycling of re-usable vapes once they have reached end-of-use.

Answered on 18 July 2025 by Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, Labour, Coventry East

Since April 2024, businesses selling vapes have been legally required to offer in-store takeback, making recycling vapes accessible for consumers and preventing vapes being littered or incorrectly disposed of.

In addition, the Government is introducing legislation to create a new category of Electrical and Electronic Equipment for vapes, to ensure that the costs of collection and treatment fall fairly on those who produce them. As part of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations, producers can pay into a Producer Compliance Fee, funding consumer awareness campaigns including on the correct disposal of vapes. You can find your nearest recycling location online by searching "Recycle Your Electricals."
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** Asked by Andrew Snowden, Conservative, Fylde

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has provided guidance to the police on the steps to take when the sale of single use vapes is reported to them.

Answered on 17 July 2025 by Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, Labour, Coventry East

The single-use vapes ban is enforced by Local Authority Trading Standards. The Government has worked closely with Trading Standards to ensure that they are prepared for the ban, this has included supporting training for Trading Standards Officers on the single-use vapes ban.
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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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