View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** 14 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** Illegal tobacco purchases less frequent among people who smoke in the North East (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** BBC investigates illicit tobacco in Kent (#9)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Data suggests smoking cessation apps linked to higher long-term quit success (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Scottish Grocers’ Federation claims organised crime gangs are linked to increase in banned disposable vape sales (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK health officials consider social media restrictions for under-16s (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Government scales back digital ID plans (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------


** International
------------------------------------------------------------


** WHO urges stronger health taxes as cheaper products drive preventable illness (#6)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Dutch insurers broaden funded quit-smoking support (#7)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Parliamentary activity
------------------------------------------------------------


** Written Answers (#8)
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** Illegal tobacco purchases less frequent among people who smoke in the North East

A regional survey of nearly 3,000 adults conducted by Fresh shows that while roughly one in five smokers in the North East still purchase illicit tobacco, they are doing so less often than in the past. Regular weekly buying among smokers who purchase illegal tobacco has fallen from one in three in 2023 to one in four in 2025. Additionally, smokers reported fewer encounters with illegal products compared with a decade ago; 37% say they encountered it in 2025, which is a decrease from 47% in 2015. The proportion of tobacco consumed illegally in the region has also reduced over time; currently 10% of tobacco smoked in the region is illegal, compared to 15% in 2009. Director of Fresh and Balance Ailsa Rutter OBE stated that “keeping illegal tobacco out of our communities is an important part of efforts to make smoking history”.

Source: Asian Trader, 13 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** BBC investigates illicit tobacco in Kent

In an episode of BBC Morning Live, former detective sergeant Marc Cananur investigates the illicit tobacco trade in Kent. He interviews the illicit tobacco lead for South East Trading Standards and joins officers on a raid in Margate.

Source: BBC, 12 Jan 2026
Watch Part 1 from 4:41 – 11:40 and Part 2 from 29:28 – 35:54

Editorial note: This piece includes some inaccurate information about the risks associated with illicit tobacco. The presenters state that illicit tobacco is much more harmful than legal tobacco. However, all tobacco kills and legal tobacco products are no less harmful than illicit products. The piece also repeatedly stresses the fire risk associated with illicit cigarettes while downplaying the risk from legal cigarettes. Although illicit cigarettes don’t feature the self-extinguishing features (known as reduced ignition propensity) which are required in legal cigarettes, all cigarettes are a fire risk. For more information about illicit tobacco see: Illicit tobacco: facts, trends and industry tactics. ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Data suggests smoking cessation apps linked to higher long-term quit success

Data analysis published in the British Medical Journal indicates that smartphone applications can substantially improve long-term smoking cessation outcomes compared with little or no support. By pooling data from more than 30 studies involving over 12,000 participants, there was high-certainty evidence that apps based on “psychological behavioural theories” increased abstinence by 69% in three months, and 36% in six months when compared to apps with “traditional behavioural interventions”.

While the findings point to digital tools as a potentially successful aid for tobacco control, the authors stress that further high-quality trials are needed to confirm sustained benefits and identify the most effective app features.

Source: Medical Xpress, 13 January 2026

See also: Chu, S. et al. Efficacy of smartphone apps used alone or with traditional interventions for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta- analysis. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2025-113971 ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Scottish Grocers’ Federation claims organised crime gangs are linked to increase in banned disposable vape sales

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) have claimed that the trade in prohibited single-use vapes has grown sharply since the ban on disposables came into effect in June 2025, with criminal networks seen as key drivers of this illicit market. SGF are calling for stronger enforcement and have warned that they believe powers to restrict the packaging, flavour and promotion of vapes in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill may drive the illicit trade.

Source: The Grocer, 14 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** UK health officials consider social media restrictions for under-16s

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has invited US academic Jonathan Haidt to advise UK officials on limiting social media access for under-16s, following a recent ban implemented in Australia. The initiative forms part of wider government efforts to safeguard young people’s mental health amid concerns over smartphone and social media use. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed openness to stricter controls.

A Conservative-led amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, also signed by Labour and Lib Dem peers, could advance the issue in Parliament. Discussions emphasise protecting young people rather than enforcement challenges.

Source: The Guardian, 14 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Government scales back digital ID plans

The UK government has abandoned plans to require workers to enrol in a national digital identity scheme as a condition of employment. While checks on eligibility to work will still move fully online by 2029, using tools such as biometric passports, participation in the new digital ID system will no longer be compulsory. The change follows strong political and public opposition, and concerns within the Labour party about enforcing the original proposal. Further details of how the system will operate are yet to be confirmed, but Ministers say the wider digital ID programme will instead be promoted as a voluntary way for people to access public services more easily.

Source: BBC News, 13 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** International
------------------------------------------------------------


** WHO urges stronger health taxes as cheaper products drive preventable illness

The World Health Organization has warned that falling prices for alcohol and sugary drinks are contributing to a global rise in non-communicable diseases and addiction, as health-related taxes fail to keep pace with inflation. New analysis shows that in many countries excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and soft drinks are not regularly updated, making these products more affordable over time and weakening their impact on consumption.

The WHO points to evidence that well-designed taxes can reduce harm, citing the UK as an example where higher tobacco duties have played a major role in cutting smoking rates and deaths over recent decades. Similar effects have been seen from the sugar levy, which has reduced children’s intake of sugary soft drinks and helped curb obesity. However, globally, alcohol, sugary drinks and tobacco are becoming easier to buy, particularly in middle- and high-income countries. The WHO is calling for substantial price increases on all three to ease pressure on health systems and prevent millions of preventable deaths.

Source: The Telegraph, 13 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed](WHO)%20has%20warned.)


** Dutch insurers broaden funded quit-smoking support

From the start of 2026, health insurers in the Netherlands are financing up to three stop-smoking attempts each year, following updated national guidance. Research shows that smokers who take part in organised cessation programmes are far more likely to remain smoke-free, and lung specialist Wanda de Kanter explains that the expanded cover better reflects how quitting typically involves multiple attempts.

Data from the cancer research institute IKNL showed that if the smoking rate reduced to 5% in the Netherlands by 2032, this could prevent 120,000 cases of lung, bladder and oesophageal cancer.

Source: Dutch News, 13 January 2026
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Parliamentary activity
------------------------------------------------------------


** Written Answers

Asked by Baroness Hoey, Non-affiliated

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure (1) that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill can be implemented in full in Northern Ireland, and (2) that the Bill is compatible with the Windsor Framework and European Union law.

Answered by Baroness Merron, Labour, Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health

The Government’s position remains that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will apply in Northern Ireland and is consistent with both our domestic and international obligations.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Asked by Lord Kamall, Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government whether nicotine-containing vaping liquids imported into the United Kingdom in pre-filled pods or cartridges are subject to the same testing, notification, and compliance requirements under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 as those manufactured domestically; and what testing or evidence of conformity producers or importers are required to hold prior to placing such products on the UK market.

Answered by Baroness Merron, Labour, Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health

All businesses placing nicotine vaping products on the United Kingdom market are required to notify the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA’s notification scheme for nicotine-containing vaping products, including pre-filled pods or cartridges, helps ensure that products are in line with the requirements set out by the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016. Businesses are required to provide key product information before these products can be sold, including toxicology data, nicotine dose, and the name and contact details of the manufacturer, so the MHRA can review the data for compliance with the notification requirements. Where products fail to align with the notification data, Trading Standards have powers to remove the products from UK supply chains.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the Government with regulation making powers to develop a new registration system for tobacco, vape and nicotine products that are sold on the UK market. Under this registration system, all producers and manufacturers will be required to provide relevant information before their product can be sold in the UK. Additionally, we are taking powers to establish a new testing regime for these products.

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here. ([link removed])

For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk ([link removed])

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.

============================================================
Our mailing address is:
Action on Smoking and Health
Unit 2.9, The Foundry
17 Oval Way
London
SE11 5RR

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])