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Former MPs’ parliamentary access raises lobbying concerns
An investigation by the Times has shown that a number of former MPs now working for lobbying or consultancy firms have continued to use their parliamentary access passes frequently since losing their seats, despite rules banning them from using this privilege for lobbying. Some of the most active visitors are employed by lobbying firm Fullbrook Strategies, whose clients include major commercial interests including
Imperial Tobacco, prompting renewed scrutiny of whether such access creates informal pathways to influence political decision-makers.
While those involved insist their visits were unrelated to client work, transparency groups argue that the scale of activity by former MPs whose roles focus on political advocacy presents a significant risk of abuse and conflicts of interest that may be difficult to monitor.
Parliamentary authorities say applications are closely vetted and that lobbying through these passes is forbidden, but critics claim the system needs stronger safeguards in response to the findings.
Source: The Times, 16 November 2025
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Disposable vapes ban shows mixed early results in UK
A BBC report has explored the early impact of the UK government’s June ban on single-use e-cigarettes, which aims to reduce environmental damage and curb youth nicotine use. The coverage included interviews with young vapers in Hull, some of whom said the ban had little effect on their habits, citing continued access and the appeal of flavours and brightly coloured devices. Official surveys suggest daily or occasional vaping among 16–24-year-olds fell slightly from 15.8% in 2023 to 13% in 2024.
On the environmental side, data from waste management firm Biffa shows a small rise in vapes incorrectly entering general recycling, although a litter-picking group based in Scunthorpe interviewed report a notable reduction in discarded devices in public areas.
The British Vape Trade Association note that many users are now refilling and recharging vapes rather than disposing of them, while concerns persist over criminal networks supplying illegal devices. Government officials said enforcement is being strengthened alongside wider measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, including restrictions on packaging, flavours, advertising, and in-store display to discourage youth use.
Source: BBC News, 17 November 2025
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Crime network exploits asylum seekers in mini-mart scheme
An undercover investigation has exposed a suspected organised crime network in the UK, reportedly run by an individual using multiple identities. The network is alleged to recruit asylum seekers to operate mini-marts and other small businesses, generating income from the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
Complex corporate structures, including “ghost directors,” are reportedly used to evade scrutiny, with businesses often reopened under slightly altered paperwork. Some outlets are claimed to have significant weekly revenues, with underage customers among those purchasing products.
The individual behind the network is said to hold numerous company directorships and claims British citizenship. The findings highlight concerns over migrant exploitation and illicit trade on high streets.
Source: Daily Mail, 16 November 2025
See also: Crime network behind UK mini-marts is enabling migrants to work illegally - BBC News | ASH- Illicit tobacco: facts, trends and industry tactics
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Smoking rates rise in some areas despite national decline
ONS data shows that while national smoking rates in Britain continue to decline, certain regions have experienced increases in adult smokers over the past decade. Areas such as East Staffordshire, South Holland, Exeter, and Babergh have seen growth in tobacco use, even as vaping has overtaken cigarette use across the country.
Caroline Cerny, deputy chief executive of ASH, emphasises that smoking remains more prevalent in socially disadvantaged groups and those with severe mental health conditions. She stressed the need for stronger support to help smokers quit and welcomed government measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed at reducing tobacco use and regulating e-cigarettes.
Simon Clark, director of smokers’ rights group Forest, argues that past anti-smoking measures have had limited impact and warned that the generational ban on tobacco sales could inadvertently encourage black-market activity. British American Tobacco (BAT) caution that restrictions on promoting less harmful products such as e-cigarettes risk undermining progress towards a smoke-free UK.
Source: Daily Mail, 16 November 2025
Editorial note: ONS estimates for individual local authorities tend to fluctuate year-on-year due to small sample sizes, meaning that year-on-year changes should be treated with caution. For example, the confidence interval for East Staffordshire, one of the places cited in the article, is 8.1% - 26.6%.
The generational smoking ban will not prevent current adult smokers from purchasing tobacco and will have a gradual impact over time, so is unlikely to significantly impact the black market. When the tobacco age of sale increased from 16 to 18 in 2007 it had no impact on black market sales – the number of illicit cigarettes consumed actually declined by 25% following the age of sale rise.
See also: Simon Clark - Tobacco Tactics | Adult smoking habits in the UK: 2024 - ONS | Fall in smoking means more people now vape than smoke - ASH
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Smoke Free app aids long-term smoker in quitting after decades
A retired nurse from Devon has successfully quit smoking after more than 50 years, crediting the Smoke Free app for support. The NHS-backed digital tool, built on behavioural science and offering 24/7 AI guidance, provided structured tracking, community encouragement, and access to nicotine replacement therapy.
She highlighted that previous attempts to quit had failed, but the combination of real-time progress tracking, virtual support, and lifestyle adjustments helped her maintain abstinence. Since quitting, she reports improved health, increased physical activity, and a renewed sense of taste and wellbeing. She encourages others to persevere with quitting, emphasising that digital tools and continuous support can make a difference at any stage.
Source: Devon Live, 15 November 2025
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Chancellor plans to extend sugar levy to milk-based drinks
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is reportedly set to announce a tax on milkshakes and other milk-based sugary drinks in the upcoming Budget, ending their current exemption from the Soft Drinks Industry Levy. The levy, which currently applies to sugary soft drinks above 5g of sugar per 100ml, would see its threshold reduced to 4g per 100ml from April 2027. Estimates suggest the change could raise £50–100 million.
Industry representatives have criticised the move, warning it could increase costs for manufacturers and consumers. The levy, originally introduced in 2018 to reduce sugar consumption and tackle obesity, prompted many companies to reformulate drinks to avoid taxation. Treasury officials maintain that milk-based drinks contribute minimally to children’s calcium intake and that the measure is aimed at improving public health while generating additional revenue.
Source: The Telegraph, 16 November 2025
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
See also: Government set to strengthen Soft Drinks Industry Levy - Recipe for Change | Killer Tactics 2: Business as Usual - ASH
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Report criticises NHS reforms under Wes Streeting
A report by the Institute for Government has criticised Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s approach to NHS reform, describing it as inconsistent and poorly managed. While acknowledging improvements in hospital performance, staff retention, and the pay deal with resident doctors, the report highlights concerns over the handling of NHS England’s abolition, continuing losses of senior GPs, and potential negative impacts on adult social care.
The report warns that current reforms may not address ongoing productivity issues and that national targets for waiting times, elective procedures, and A&E performance are unlikely to be met. Government officials defended their strategy, citing increased GP numbers, additional investment in primary care, and new community health initiatives. The findings come amid heightened scrutiny of Streeting’s performance and his wider political prospects.
Source: The Guardian, 15 November 2025
See also: Public services performance tracker 2025, The NHS - Institute for Government & Nuffield Foundation, November 2025
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Philip Morris investigation into Scottish illicit tobacco trade
The Scottish Sun reports on an investigation into the illicit tobacco trade by Philip Morris consultant Will O’Reilly. O’Reilly claims that the illicit market “has gone from a cottage industry to one of enormous scale” and states that organised crime groups are producing and distributing counterfeit tobacco products. O’Reilly says these operations may involve large-scale production and sales through shops, pubs, and other outlets, generating substantial revenue.
He and his team state they have observed conditions in production facilities that could pose health risks, and that profits from the trade are linked to broader criminal activity.
“Smokers’ rights” group Forest claims that higher tobacco taxes are driving some smokers toward the illicit market.
Source: The Scottish Sun, 15 November 2025
Editorial note: This investigation was led by Will O’Reilly, a consultant working with Philip Morris. Leaked industry documents from 2013 list O’Reilly’s consultancy as a media messenger in the PMI’s campaign against plain packaging. The article also quotes Forest, a “smokers’ rights” group that has received significant tobacco industry funding.
The article cites industry claims about counterfeit tobacco containing “asbestos, rat and human excrement.” In reality, tobacco – whether legal or illegal – contains lethal poisons and kills up to 2 in 3 people who use it long term.
PMI-funded reports produced by KPMG citing evidence that the illicit trade in the UK is growing have been criticised by independent experts for consistently overestimating levels of illicit cigarettes, being over reliant on unvalidated tobacco industry information, being insufficiently transparent and misrepresenting both the findings and pre-existing data. A review of tobacco industry data on illicit tobacco trade published in Tobacco Control concluded that: "The primary purpose of tobacco industry-funded data on [the illicit tobacco trade] seems to be to serve as a platform for the industry’s lobbying and public relations strategies."
Contrary to industry claims, the illicit market in the UK is not out of control and has declined significantly over the last two decades. According to HMRC, between 2000-01 and 2023-24, the number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the UK declined by almost 90% – amounting to 13 billion fewer illicit cigarettes consumed per year – alongside a 68% decline in illicit HRT.
See also: Tax gaps: Excise (including alcohol, tobacco and oils). June 2025 - HMRC | From smuggling to spin: how tobacco giants hijacked the illicit trade debate - ASH | Illicit Tobacco Partnership. Illicit tobacco PR guide.
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Industry claims planned fruit machine tax could threaten pubs
Industry bodies and pub operators claim that a proposed increase in gambling taxes on fruit machines could further strain an already pressured sector. Around 36,700 machines generate revenue for UK pubs, providing supplementary income. Trade associations suggest a rise in machine gaming duty to 50% could cost pubs hundreds of millions annually, jeopardising jobs and accelerating closures, particularly among smaller community establishments. UK Hospitality estimates that fruit machines generate around £8,500 per pub annually, after existing tax and rent paid to the machine supplier.
Companies including Greene King, JD Wetherspoon, and Admiral Taverns warn that the move may backfire, as some machines could be removed entirely if no longer profitable. Government officials have stated that final tax decisions will be made in the upcoming budget.
Source: The Times, 16 November 2025
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries
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CSOs urge Nigeria to resist industry influence at global tobacco talks
Civil society groups involved in tobacco control have urged Nigeria’s representatives at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) COP11 meeting in Geneva to reject any attempts by tobacco companies or their intermediaries to shape the negotiations. They warned that global industry efforts are under way to promote e-cigarettes and other nicotine products as “reduced-harm” alternatives, and cautioned that such lobbying could undermine Article 5.3 of the FCTC which requires all parties to safeguard public health policy from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry.
The organisations stressed that Nigerian officials are legally required to avoid financial or informal relationships with tobacco interests, and argued that permitting newer nicotine products would jeopardise progress made under the country’s tobacco control framework. They said they will closely monitor Nigeria’s delegations conduct during the talks.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria, 17 November 2025
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WHO COP 11 to consider ban on cigarette filters
COP 11 to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Geneva will examine proposals to reduce environmental harm from cigarette filters, including a potential ban on plastic filters. Andrew Black, acting head of the FCTC secretariat, highlighted that filters are the most littered items globally, releasing toxic chemicals and microplastics while offering minimal protection to smokers. Rudiger Krech, WHO’s head of environment and climate change, described the plastics as highly polluting and toxic in waterways.
Delegates are also expected to address the tobacco industry’s influence and the marketing of e-cigarettes, particularly products targeting children. Officials warned that brightly coloured and flavoured e-cigarettes are being promoted on social media to attract young users. COP 11 aims to strengthen global tobacco control measures, including restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of both conventional and novel products.
Source: Daily Mail, 14 November 2025
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Written Answers
Asked by Bob Blackman, Conservative, Harrow East
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether any cross-departmental work is being undertaken to (a) assess and (b) address the environmental impact of illegally imported disposable vapes.
Answered by Mary Creagh, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) Labour, Coventry East
Single-use vapes have been banned in the UK since 1 June 2025, we are continuing to monitor the impact of the ban, including the illicit market. In March 2025, the Government announced a £10 million funding boost to trading standards to tackle illicit vapes, including those that are single-use, to ensure that the ban is successfully enforced.
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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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