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** 5 August 2025
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UK


** How can we end smoking in the UK? (#1)
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** Opinion: New stop-smoking drugs remain underused despite potential benefits (#2)
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** Scotland’s vape market reshapes as pod kits surge after disposable ban (#3)
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** Uncertainty grows over future of key health survey in England (#4)
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** International
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** Laos to impose strict measures on tobacco firms over packaging rule breaches (#5)
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UK


** How can we end smoking in the UK?

Writing in Open Access Government, Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of Action on Smoking and Health, outlines a roadmap from the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Smoking and Health to eliminate smoking in the UK within 20 years. Building on historic reductions in smoking since the 1970s, the proposal calls for decisive action to support the six million current smokers, especially those in disadvantaged communities.

Key recommendations include a comprehensive, cross-government plan with clear targets, a levy on tobacco companies to fund public health initiatives, protection of existing stop-smoking services, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is seen as a major step forward, but experts stress it must be paired with regulations and funding that address current smokers and prevent future harm.

With strong public backing for measures to achieve a smoke-free future, Cheeseman argues that “the government has been ambitious in setting a vision for a country where smoking is obsolete. It must now turn that vision into an equally ambitious strategy for change.”

Source: Open Access Government, 4 August 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** Opinion: New stop-smoking drugs remain underused despite potential benefits

In an opinion piece for the Guardian, journalist Polly Hudson describes her struggle to quit smoking, and confusion over the lack of awareness over drugs that can help to stop smoking. Despite the introduction of two prescription medications in the UK aimed at helping people quit, take-up has been surprisingly low. Data suggests that only a tiny fraction of those attempting to stop have tried cytisine or the newly reformulated varenicline, even though both offer promising support in reducing cravings and easing withdrawal.

Cytisine, treatment works by mimicking nicotine’s effects, tricking the brain into feeling satisfied without a cigarette. Varenicline, previously withdrawn over safety concerns and now reintroduced, is said to reduce the urge to smoke while softening withdrawal symptoms.

Hudson argues that making such treatments more visible and accessible could offer much-needed support for those still trying to quit.

Source: The Guardian, 4 August 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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Read Here ([link removed])


** Scotland’s vape market reshapes as pod kits surge after disposable ban

A deep dive into retailer activity following the ban on disposable vapes in June reveals the market has experienced a decline in overall vape sales, but pod-based alternatives have gained traction. Data from Talysis shows that small puff 2ml pod kits now lead the category with 38.4% of the market, with larger capacity and multi-use pod systems also growing in popularity.

Some of the biggest disposable vape brands are in decline, while newer brands have surged in market share due to quick adaptation and in-store promotional efforts. Despite the legal changes, disposable vapes are still available in some shops, accounting for 6.3% of total vape sales, highlighting gaps in enforcement. The Scandinavian Tobacco Group believe that the disposable vape ban offers an opportunity for nicotine pouches to grow in popularity.

Source: Scottish Local Retailer, 4 August 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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** Uncertainty grows over future of key health survey in England

Health experts have raised alarms over the future of a major public health study following the government’s decision to remove NHS England from its leadership role. The long-running Health Survey for England, which has been in place since 1991, collects crucial nationwide data on issues such as smoking, obesity, and alcohol use. It has been widely used to shape health policies and track inequalities.

While officials insist the survey is not being cancelled, they have not confirmed how it will be continued or who will run it after 2025. This has prompted concerns about the potential loss of one of the most reliable data sources on England’s population health.

Public health leaders warn that losing the survey in its current form could hamper efforts to monitor health risks and plan effective interventions. They stress the importance of ensuring that any new system maintains the same quality, scope, and accessibility of data to support evidence-based healthcare.

Source: The Guardian, 4 August 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])


** International
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** Laos to impose strict measures on tobacco firms over packaging rule breaches

From mid-August, the Laotian government will begin enforcing penalties against tobacco producers and sellers who have not adhered to new cigarette packaging regulations introduced in May 2024. The law mandates the use of one of ten graphic health warnings on all cigarette packs. Although companies were given six months to comply, many have delayed implementation for more than a year. Offenders may face significant fines, product confiscation, or even suspension of business licences. Persistent non-compliance could lead to legal proceedings and permanent closures. This move makes Laos the third ASEAN nation to enforce warnings on cigarette packs.

Source: Tobacco Reporter, 4 August 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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