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** 1 August 2025
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UK


** Promising treatments for smoking remain overlooked in the UK (#1)
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** International
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** Tobacco companies lobby for tighter vape controls in Ireland (#2)
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** EU tobacco tax plan faces resistance with unanimous approval uncertain (#3)
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** Links of the Week
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** Article series: How can the UK become a ‘world leader’ in public health? (#4)
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** Podcast: Let's talk e-cigarettes (#5)
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UK


** Promising treatments for smoking remain overlooked in the UK

Despite the availability of two effective medications for smoking cessation—cytisine and varenicline—their use in the UK remains strikingly low. Varenicline, previously the leading aid to quit smoking, was pulled from the market in 2021 but has since returned in a reformulated version. Meanwhile, cytisine, a plant-based alternative with similar efficacy and potentially fewer side effects, has seen minimal uptake since being licensed in 2024. Factors such as complex dosing, limited awareness among healthcare providers and the public, and uncertainties around funding have likely contributed to its underuse. As smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable death, experts argue that greater visibility and support for these treatments are essential.

Source: The Independent, 31 July 2025

See also: The Conversation - Two of the best stop smoking medications have been available in the UK since 2024 – so why is no one using them? ([link removed])
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** International
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** Tobacco companies lobby for tighter vape controls in Ireland

Tobacco firms are lobbying the Irish Government to introduce excise taxes and further increase enforcement on vaping products, stoking concerns about the scale of illicit sales. Their arguments reference a KPMG report commissioned by vaping company Hale Vaping, which argues illegal products account for up to 40% of Ireland’s €550 million vape market. These lobbying efforts support the industry's expansion into tobacco free nicotine products.

Source: The Irish Times, 31 July 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into industry developments and lobbying. See ASH’s briefing ([link removed]) on the tobacco industry and their tactics for more information.
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** EU tobacco tax plan faces resistance with unanimous approval uncertain

The European Commission has proposed significant increases in tobacco taxes across the EU, potentially adding up to €2 per pack of cigarettes in many member states. This measure aims to reduce smoking rates and support the EU’s future budget, with revenues projected to reach €11.2 billion annually. While at least 15 countries back the reform, others—such as Italy, Greece, and Luxembourg—have voiced opposition, making unanimous approval uncertain. The largest price hike would occur in Bulgaria, where smokers could pay nearly 60% more. Despite pushback from consumers and the tobacco industry, health authorities continue to support taxation as one of the most effective tools for reducing smoking.

Source: Euractiv, 31 July 2025
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** Links of the Week
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** Article series: How can the UK become a ‘world leader’ in public health?

This article is the first in a series on public health in Healthcare Leader and begins by exploring how the UK might realise its ambition to become a world leader in public health, as set out in the Government’s 10-year plan. The strategy aims to shift the emphasis from illness to prevention, tackling health inequalities, and reducing pressure on the NHS through neighbourhood health centres.

The article brings together views from leading public health experts who welcome the plan but warn that without significant investment, particularly in local public health capacity, and stronger action on issues like alcohol and obesity, the plan risks repeating past promises.
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Podcast: Let's talk e-cigarettes

In this podcast, hosts Associate Professor Jamie Hartmann-Boyce and Associate Professor Nicola Lindson discuss the new evidence in e-cigarette research and interview behavioural scientist and licenced clinical psychologist Dr Elias Klemperer.

In this episode, Dr Klemperer, from the University of Vermont, discusses his recent randomized factorial trial of nicotine replacement therapy.
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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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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