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New vaccine trial targets lung cancer risk but stopping smoking remains crucial
Researchers from University College London and the University of Oxford, backed by funding from Cancer Research UK, are launching a multi-year study of a vaccine designed to halt early cellular changes that can lead to lung cancer. The jab works by prompting the immune system to identify molecular signals associated with the earliest stages of tumour development.
The research teams and CRUK stress that, although the vaccine could broaden future prevention strategies, avoiding tobacco remains the most effective way to cut the risk of developing the disease. This message is vital given the substantial share of cases attributed to smoking and the severe impact it continues to have on outcomes.
Source: Daily Mail, 24 November 2025
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Senedd urged to support legislation creating a smokefree generation in Wales
Welsh politicians are being pressed to approve new UK-wide legislation that would prevent the sale of tobacco products to anyone born in or after 2009. Supporters argue that the measures would curb smoking uptake among young people and form a crucial step towards the national ambition of eliminating smoking by 2030.
The vote in the Senedd concerns whether Wales grants consent for Westminster to legislate in areas that fall under devolved powers. Advocates say the package could help reduce the thousands of smoking-related illnesses and deaths recorded in Wales each year.
Source: Nation.Cymru, 24 November 2025
See also: ASH - The Tobacco and Vapes Bill
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New campaign offers tailored support to help Cheshire and Merseyside residents quit smoking
A new phase of the Smoking Ends Here initiative has begun across Cheshire and Merseyside, including Knowsley, aiming to reach communities where smoking remains more prevalent. The programme focuses on ensuring people in these groups receive targeted guidance and practical help to stop for good.
Local leaders emphasise that quitting delivers rapid and long-term health improvements, from better breathing and fitness to reduced risks of several major diseases.
Source: Knowsley News, 24 November 2025
See also: NHS Cheshire and Merseyside – Smoking Ends Here
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New NHS quiz encourages healthier habits to boost mood and energy
The NHS has introduced a short online questionnaire designed to help adults identify simple lifestyle changes that could improve their physical and mental wellbeing. The tool asks about daily routines, including diet, exercise, smoking, vaping, alcohol use, sleep and mental health, before providing a score and tailored guidance linked to free NHS resources.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, highlighted the quiz as a key step in helping people take control of their own health, saying it brings expert NHS advice directly to users’ fingertips. She emphasised that the initiative supports broader efforts to reduce smoking, tackle obesity, and enhance mental health, forming part of the government’s 10-Year Health Plan to focus on prevention rather than treatment.
Source: Daily Mail, 24 November 2025
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Disposable vapes ban – tobacco industry tells retailers to sell their cigarette alternatives
This article features a range of spokespeople from tobacco and nicotine product companies discussing their products and retail marketing strategies.
According to the tobacco industry, the UK disposable vape ban has produced mixed effects for retailers. Paul Dufourne, Director of Commercial Operations at PMI, has advised retailers to sell a varied portfolio of cigarette alternatives to avoid losses, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches.
Other companies and brands such as IQOS, ZYN, JTI, and STG highlight their expanded product portfolios, including flavours, strengths, and ranges for nicotine pouches and HTPs, while a BAT spokesperson highlights compliance, staff training, and age-verification technology.
Source: Grocery Trader, 24 November 2025
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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Industry survey from Haypp finds most under-18 nicotine pouch purchases come from physical stores
A recent report and survey from nicotine pouch and vape company Haypp found that under-18 purchases, which are currently legal, mostly occur in physical shops. Haypp surveyed UK nicotine pouch customers from the Haypp.com and Northerner.com websites and found that 56% of under-18s who bought pouches obtained them from corner shops, 17% from supermarkets, 31% via friends, and 21% online.
Source: Better Retailing, 24 November 2025
See also: ASH - The Tobacco and Vapes Bill | Haypp - The Nicotine Pouch Report 2025
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal to sell nicotine pouches to under-18s. The Bill will also take powers to stop vapes and other consumer nicotine products from being deliberately branded and advertised to appeal to children.
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Survey by nicotine pouch brand übbs finds UK adults struggle to spot illegal vaping products
A survey by nicotine pouch brand übbs found that approximately two-thirds of UK adults struggle to identify illegal vaping products, with many unaware of essential warning labels. The industry poll also highlighted poor understanding among young adults, with 16% of 18–24-year-olds able to recognise non-compliant vapes.
Source: Talking Retail, 24 November 2025
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UK government to extend sugar levy to pre-packaged milk-based drinks
The UK plans to broaden its sugar tax to cover pre-packaged milkshakes and coffees, which were previously exempt, while lowering the sugar threshold to include more products. Drinks prepared in cafés and restaurants will not be affected. The levy, set to take effect from April 2027, aims to address rising obesity rates.
Source: The Times, 24 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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Two peers suspended from Lords over lobbying breaches
Two long-standing members of the House of Lords are to be suspended following investigations that found they had exploited their parliamentary positions to offer access to ministers and fellow peers for commercial gain. Richard Dannatt, a former army chief, will be suspended for four months, while David Evans will face a five-month suspension.
The findings, arising from undercover reporting and subsequent watchdog inquiries, revealed multiple instances where the peers offered introductions, meetings, or influence to benefit private interests. The cases highlight ongoing concerns over the potential for privileged positions in the Lords to be used for personal or commercial advantage.
Source: The Guardian, 24 November 2025
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Written questions
Asked by Joe Robertson, PPS to the Shadow Transport and Culture, Media and Sport Team, Conservative, Isle of Wight East
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his policy is on the banning of cigarette filters, in the context of the upcoming eleventh Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Answered by Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, West Lancashire
We are confident that the best way to tackle tobacco litter and to protect people’s health is to reduce the prevalence of smoking. That is why we are taking decisive action through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a smoke-free generation alongside continuing with evidence-based approaches to supporting smokers to quit. We therefore have no current plans to ban cigarette filters.
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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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