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Health experts urge tighter controls as nicotine pouch use rises among young people in the UK
Health researchers are raising alarms over the growing popularity of nicotine pouches in the UK, warning that their high nicotine content and colourful branding could be fuelling addiction among teenagers. Sales of nicotine pouches have risen sharply since 2019, with 92 million units sold in 2022, and sales grew by 55% in 2023. Prof Leonie Brose of King’s College London noted that their “very colourful and interesting packag[ing]” now seems aimed at younger consumers.
A recent study by the Scottish Centre for Social Research found that pupils between 14-16 were aware of the products, reporting “nicotine rushes, sickness or fainting”, while many teachers were unaware of their use.
Although experts agree that pouches are likely less harmful than cigarettes, concerns remain about their use by people who have never smoked. Prof Jamie Hartmann-Boyce of the University of Massachusetts described them as “a reduced-risk product, but not a risk-free product”, adding that regulation must ensure they help smokers without attracting non-users. The UK government plans to ban under-18 sales and cap nicotine levels as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Source: The Guardian, 12 November 2025
See also: MacGregor A, Shields J, Hamid A, Holman E, Biggs H, Minty S, et al. ‘I'd rather have worse gums than worse lungs’: Young people's views of nicotine pouches in the UK. Addiction. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70214. | ASH – Nicotine pouches
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Study finds growing number of Welsh primary pupils trying vapes
A study by the School Health Research Network, which gathered responses from more than 50,000 pupils aged seven to eleven across 510 schools, found that 6% of those in Years 5 and 6 had tried using a vape at least once. The trend was more pronounced among children from lower-income households. The report described vaping as an “emerging issue” among primary pupils, previously seen mainly in secondary schools. Dr Kelly Morgan, director of SHRN at Cardiff University, said the findings “shed light on a growing concern that demands coordinated responses from schools and health professionals”.
Source: WalesOnline, 12 November 2025
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NHS England and ICB voluntary redundancy schemes approved after Treasury agreement
NHS England has launched a voluntary redundancy programme, with integrated care boards expected to follow, after the Treasury allowed the departures to proceed without providing additional funding. The scheme will be financed through the existing NHS budget, with overspending permitted this year and repayment required in subsequent years. Staff applications will open in early December, with departures anticipated from mid-March 2026.
The Department of Health and Social Care plans to absorb many of NHSE’s functions when the organisation is abolished in 2027, and commissioning support units are being phased out, with integrated care boards expected to concentrate on strategic commissioning.
Source: Health Service Journal, 11 November 2025
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Authorities target shops selling illicit cigarettes
This article in the Sun follows authorities targeting illicit cigarettes and vapes, with operations uncovering products sold below legal prices and without required health warnings. An operation led by the National Crime Agency targeted money laundering and illegal trade, with police visiting 2,734 stores and making 920 arrests.
Professor Emmeline Taylor, a criminologist at City St George’s University of London, said that criminals involved in the illicit tobacco trade are “career criminals” with links to organised crime networks, not opportunists. The article also includes a quote from tobacco manufacturer Japan Tobacco International, who argue more needs to be done to protect responsible retailers.
Source: The Sun, 11 November 2025
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments. For more information about the UK illicit tobacco trade see: ASH. Illicit tobacco: facts, trends and industry tactics.
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Opinion: Tobacco industry influence keeps global tax rates low despite health and fiscal benefits
In this article Mary Assunta, Head of Global Research and Advocacy at the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) and lead author of the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index, explains that raising taxes on tobacco would both strengthen overstretched health systems and reduce smoking-related illness, yet many governments are still holding back. Assunta highlights that despite clear evidence that higher prices cut consumption and boost public finances, most countries have not raised tobacco taxes in recent years. Research from the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index links this inaction to the influence of major tobacco firms, which lobby finance and trade ministries to delay or dilute tax measures. The Index shows that companies often argue that higher taxes fuel illicit trade or threaten economic stability, claims that research has consistently disproved. In some cases, governments have even rewarded these firms with tax breaks or exemptions, while continuing to subsidise tobacco production. Assunta argues this benefits wealthy multinationals at the expense of public health, particularly in poorer nations where the burden of tobacco-related disease is greatest.
Source: The Guardian, 11 November 2025
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Ireland: Retailers challenge new Irish tobacco licence fees as excessive and unlawful
An Irish retailers’ association, The Convenience Stores & Newsagent Association, has taken legal action against the Irish government over licensing fees for selling tobacco and nicotine products. The new system, due to start next year, will replace the former €50 registration charge with annual fees of up to €1,800 - €1,000 for tobacco and €800 for vapes. Retailers argue that the amounts were set without evidence or proper justification and will unfairly burden smaller businesses. They claim the health minister exceeded his legal authority. The government rejects the allegations, saying the policy is consistent with efforts to discourage tobacco sales and reduce consumption through financial disincentives. A High Court judge has ruled that the retailers cannot cross-examine a senior health official involved in drafting the policy, though they may continue to contest its legality.
Source: The Irish Times, 11 November 2025
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Committee Stage for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Transcript of the fourth day of Committee Stage for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
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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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