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** 11 August 2025
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UK


** NHS reform plans stall amid funding row over mass redundancies (#1)
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** Gambling levy under review as government prepares for difficult autumn budget (#2)
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** Imperial Brands and UKVIA argue that disposable vape ban has loopholes (#3)
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** Vape liquid prices set to more than double following new government tax, report claims (#4)
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International


** US: US postal service move curtails illicit vape shipments (#5)
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** Spain: Catalonia seeks beach smoking ban to protect youth and public health (#6)
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** Netherlands: Strong public support for smoking ban on beaches (#7)
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UK


** NHS reform plans stall amid funding row over mass redundancies

The Government’s NHS reform has hit a major hurdle due to a lack of funding to cover the cost of thousands of planned redundancies. Intended to streamline services by dismantling NHS England and slashing regional management layers, the restructuring was expected to free up over £1 billion for frontline care. However, with redundancy costs estimated between £600 million and £1 billion, no central funding has been allocated - leaving Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) uncertain of how to proceed.

Some ICBs have paused the restructuring altogether, while others may be forced to pay redundancy costs from local budgets, raising fears that vital patient services could suffer. Staff report widespread confusion, declining morale, and increased anxiety, with decisions around key services now stalled. Critics say the situation undermines the government’s pledge to make the NHS more efficient, and warn that the delays could ultimately put patients at risk.

NHS England is preparing a business case to lobby the Treasury for support, but funding may not be available until the next financial year.

Source: The Times, 9 August 2025
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** Gambling levy under review as government prepares for difficult autumn budget

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are expected to begin laying the groundwork for tax rises and fiscal reform ahead of a challenging autumn budget, likely to be delivered in November. While Labour maintains its pledge not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT, a rise in gambling levies appears
almost certain.

Despite dismissing reports of a multi-billion-pound black hole in the public finances, internal concerns persist over how to deliver meaningful reforms without breaking key promises. The gambling levy remains one of the few revenue-raising measures under consideration.

Source: The Guardian, 7 August 2025
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** Imperial Brands and UKVIA argue that disposable vape ban has loopholes

Imperial Brands and the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) have raised concerns about loopholes in the government’s disposable vape ban, arguing these gaps undermine the policy’s environmental goals. Imperial Brands wrote to Defra Minister Mary Creagh urging the government to mandate that retailer’s stock compatible refill pods alongside reusable devices, stating that many consumers currently treat refillable vapes as disposables due to a lack of available refills.

Source: GB News, 9 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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** Vape liquid prices set to more than double following new government tax, report claims

This article reports that the UK government’s introduction of a 22p per millilitre tax on vaping liquid, due next year, could cause prices to rise sharply. According to vaping equipment retailer Vape Ease UK, a 100ml bottle of nicotine-free liquid could increase from about £15 to nearly £40. The tax aims to discourage non-smokers from vaping and to help fund public services like the NHS.

Vape Ease UK states that the flat-rate tax will disproportionately impact larger bottles, potentially driving some vapers back to smoking. Concerns are also raised that price hikes could lead to more DIY mixing or illegal imports, raising further health risks.

Source: Daily Star, 11 August 2025

Editorial note: Vape liquids which contain nicotine cannot be sold in more than 10ml bottles under current law. The 100ml bottles of vape liquid referred to in the article are shake and vape style products - large bottles of concentrated flavouring that users mix with nicotine base themselves. A recent ASH report shows that 10% of adult vapers currently use shake and vape products. The Government have made clear that any tax rises on vaping products will be matched by increases in taxes on tobacco products to maintain price difference.
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International


** US: US postal service move curtails illicit vape shipments

The US Postal Service has taken action against distributors of unauthorised vapes by revoking their ability to use its mailing services for business shipments, following evidence of legal breaches. This includes a prominent New York-based supplier Demand Vape that allegedly distributed flavoured products and other devices not approved by the FDA - only a limited number of e-cigarette products are currently authorised in the US.

The decision is expected to significantly impact the multibillion-dollar grey market for vapes, which has eroded sales for major tobacco firms like Altria and British American Tobacco. Authorities in New York are now reviewing other USPS-approved distributors to identify further breaches.

Source: Reuters, 11 August 2025
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** Spain: Catalonia seeks beach smoking ban to protect youth and public health

Health authorities in Catalonia are calling for a ban on smoking at beaches as part of wider efforts to reduce the visibility and acceptance of tobacco use, particularly among children and teenagers. The proposed move, part of a broader draft national law, would extend existing smoking restrictions to include outdoor terraces, schoolyards, university campuses, and work vehicles.

While smoking has already been prohibited on beaches in Barcelona since 2022, regional officials are pressing for further action to prevent the habit from appearing socially acceptable. Spain’s health ministry is confident that the new measures will be in place by the end of next year. Supporters of the plan cite the severe health risks posed by smoking and second-hand smoke, along with environmental damage caused by discarded cigarette butts.

Source: Daily Express, 10 August 2025
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** Netherlands: Strong public support for smoking ban on beaches

A recent survey in the Netherlands indicates strong public backing for a ban on smoking at beaches, with the majority citing environmental concerns as their primary motivation. Sixty-one percent of those polled expressed support for the measure, viewing it as a way to curb cigarette waste and promote cleaner coastal areas.

The idea follows similar regulations introduced in France, where smoking is now banned in many outdoor public spaces, including beaches and parks.
Public opinion on the issue appeared to align closely with political leanings, with supporters of left-leaning parties showing the strongest level of support.

Source: NL Times, 11 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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