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** 30 September 2025
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UK


** Think tank critiques Labour’s first-year health strategy as lacking clarity and coherence (#1) #1
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** Starmer to unveil NHS Online in push to modernise health service and regain political ground (#2)
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** NHS Highland launches new tobacco and vaping strategy amid rising health costs and youth nicotine use (#3)
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International


** Ban on vending machine tobacco and vape sales takes effect in Ireland (#4)
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** Experts warn US tobacco control gains at risk after major federal research cuts (#5)
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UK


** Think tank critiques Labour’s first-year health strategy as lacking clarity and coherence

A major think tank has issued a strongly critical assessment of the Labour government's approach to health and social care during its first year in office. The report argues that key reforms, including the reorganisation of NHS structures and the creation of integrated health organisations, lack a clear strategic framework and are unlikely to deliver expected efficiencies. It warns that the government’s centralising tendencies and cuts to local planning bodies could hinder long-term improvement. The 10-Year Health Plan is also described as overly NHS-focused, with insufficient attention paid to broader public health and social care reform. The government maintains that its plan represents a comprehensive transformation, citing progress in digital infrastructure, productivity, and prevention-focused care.

Source: HSJ, 26 September 2025

See also: The Health Foundation - Labour’s first year: Assessing government’s record on NHS and social care policy so far ([link removed])
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** Starmer to unveil NHS Online in push to modernise health service and regain political ground

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a major digital reform of the NHS in his closing speech at the Labour Party conference, unveiling plans to launch "NHS Online" in 2027. The new digital platform aims to modernise healthcare access by enabling patients to manage prescriptions, appointments, and clinical advice through the NHS app. Labour claims the initiative will create up to 8.5 million additional appointments over three years, with the goal of reducing waiting times and easing pressure on hospitals.

The announcement comes at a critical moment for Starmer, as Labour faces declining poll numbers and mounting pressure to deliver on key pledges. Framing the country as being at a turning point, the prime minister will urge unity and national renewal while rejecting divisive politics. He is expected to compare the current political and economic challenges to those faced by Labour’s post-war government, as he seeks to solidify leadership and set the tone for the months ahead.

Source: Sky News, 30 September 2025
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** NHS Highland launches new tobacco and vaping strategy amid rising health costs and youth nicotine use

NHS Highland is preparing to adopt a new five-year plan targeting tobacco-related harm, which is estimated to cost the health board up to £30 million annually. The strategy, set for approval at a board meeting, seeks to address persistent health inequalities tied to smoking, particularly in deprived communities where smoking-related illness remains significantly higher. The plan will also look to reduce youth vaping rates.

Although overall smoking rates are declining, progress is uneven, with more affluent areas seeing faster reductions. In Highland, 13 per cent of adults and over 12 per cent of pregnant women continue to smoke. The new strategy will focus on vulnerable groups, expand hospital and community support services, and invest in training healthcare staff to improve cessation support.

Source: The Inverness Courier, 29 September 2025
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International


** Ban on vending machine tobacco and vape sales takes effect in Ireland

From today, the sale of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products through self-service and vending machines has been officially banned in Ireland. This measure, part of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, aims to reduce the availability of these products, particularly to young people.

Government ministers say the ban is a key step in national efforts to curb smoking and vaping, especially among youth, by eliminating a point of easy access. Health authorities have linked vending machines to underage experimentation and long-term addiction. Officials describe the move as part of a broader public health strategy to protect future generations and reduce the societal burden of tobacco-related harm.

Source: Irish Legal News, 29 September 2025
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** Experts warn US tobacco control gains at risk after major federal research cuts

Leading researchers have sounded the alarm over recent federal budget cuts in the United States, warning they could seriously undermine progress in tobacco control and public health equity. A new commentary published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research highlights the termination of $2 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, including nearly $800 million dedicated to diversity and inclusion efforts, as a major setback for anti-tobacco initiatives.

The cuts have disproportionately affected programmes aimed at reducing tobacco use among marginalised populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with mental health conditions—groups shown to be most affected by tobacco-related harm. The dismantling of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Smoking and Health is particularly concerning, given its role in nationwide cessation support and successful public health campaigns such as “Tips from Former Smokers.”

Researchers are calling for urgent action from public health stakeholders to protect vulnerable populations and preserve the momentum built over decades of tobacco control policy.

Source: Medicalxpress, 30 September 2025

See also: JE Kim-Mozeleski, et al. Act Now to Save Science: The Importance of Tobacco Health Equity Research, Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1093/nictob/ntaf186 ([link removed])
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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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