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Opinion: Why stronger government action is needed to improve the nation’s health
In this opinion piece, Sarah Woolnough argues that the UK’s worsening health profile makes a stronger case for government intervention, and that the term “nanny state” should be reconsidered rather than used as a catch-all criticism of public health policy. She highlights recent national data showing high levels of physical inactivity, long-term illness, raised cholesterol and obesity among both adults and children, warning that these trends pose serious risks to quality of life and place growing pressure on the NHS.
Woolnough challenges the idea that policies such as taxes on unhealthy products, restrictions on smoking and vaping, and tighter regulation of online harms represent an erosion of personal freedom. She argues instead that evidence shows widespread public support for many measures often labelled as intrusive, including stronger controls on the food industry and public health legislation, particularly where people can see benefits for health services and wellbeing.
She further argues that government action can help create environments that support healthier choices, citing examples where public investment enables community-led initiatives to thrive.
Source: LBC, 28 January 2026
See also: Scratching the surface – what factors underpin public support for public health policies? - ASH
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Stroke Association warns prevention gaps could drive sharp rise in UK cases
The Stroke Association has warned that the number of people experiencing a stroke in the UK could rise sharply over the next decade unless stronger action is taken to reduce preventable risk factors. The charity estimates that annual cases could increase from about 100,000 to around 150,000 by 2035, equivalent to more than 400 strokes a day, driven by factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and vaping. It is urging greater emphasis on prevention, including improved public awareness of risk factors, wider uptake of NHS health checks for over-40s, and stronger policies on diet, alcohol, tobacco and vaping.
The warning was highlighted alongside the experience of a 57-year-old woman from Cardiff who suffered a stroke at home and required urgent hospital treatment followed by months of rehabilitation. The Stroke Association says her case illustrates both the importance of recognising symptoms quickly and the long-term impact strokes can have on daily life.
The Department of Health and Social Care said it is committed to improving stroke prevention, treatment and recovery, and pointed to planned measures aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease across the NHS.
Source: The Express, 29 January 2026
See also: Strokes to rise significantly without action – charity - The Independent
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Guernsey: Ban on single-use vapes takes effect amid youth and environmental concerns
A ban on disposable vaping devices will take effect this weekend, making it illegal to sell or bring single-use vapes into the island. The measure follows legislation approved last year in response to rising use among young people, concerns about nicotine addiction, and uncertainty over long-term health effects. Public health officials have also highlighted environmental damage and fire risks linked to discarded devices containing batteries.
The ban forms part of a wider package of controls, including earlier restrictions on sales to under-18s, upcoming limits on advertising and product displays, and the introduction of a licensing system for vape retailers. Authorities say enforcement will involve cooperation with retailers, customs checks at ports and clearer guidance for travellers, while some sellers have said the change is unlikely to have a major impact on their businesses.
Source: Guernsey Press, 28 January 2026
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Mexico enforces new rules on e-cigarettes for visitors
Mexico has begun enforcing tougher laws on vaping devices, warning travellers they could face penalties if they bring them into the country. While the sale of e-cigarettes has already been restricted in Mexico for several years, the latest measures extend enforcement to activities such as importation, following a constitutional reform approved by lawmakers and published in mid-January.
The changes follow a constitutional reform approved by lawmakers, which the Mexican government says is aimed at protecting public health and restricting the trade in certain regulated substances. Under the rules, offences linked to vaping devices can result in confiscation, substantial fines and potential prison sentences.
Source: Daily Mail, 28 January 2026
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Some vape flavours linked to higher health risks in studies
This article published in BBC Scientific Focus highlights how some studies have linked certain vape flavours with greater potential harm. Laboratory research has linked some fruit flavours, including strawberry and berry varieties, to higher levels of cell toxicity and to the presence of chemicals such as acrylonitrile and acrolein, which are known to irritate the lungs and have carcinogenic potential. A study in mice found that exposure to berry-flavoured vapour impaired lung immune cells and reduced the animals’ ability to recover from infection.
The article also reports that flavourings used in vanilla, cherry and cinnamon vapes can form respiratory irritants when heated. It notes that research into vaping is still developing and that e-cigarettes are not recommended for people who have never smoked.
Source: BBC Scientific Focus, 28 January 2026
See also: Vaping: what you need to know - ASH
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Written questions
Asked by James Cartlidge, Conservative, South Suffolk
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending to county councils the provisions of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on issuing closure notices in cases of illegal trading of tobacco and vaping products on the high street.
Answered by Sarah Jones, Minister of State (Home Office), Labour, Croydon West
The closure power, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, enables police or local councils - including county councils where there is no district council - to close premises quickly which are being used to commit nuisance or disorder.
The closure power, along with all the powers in the 2014 Act, is deliberately local in nature, and it is for local agencies to determine whether its use is appropriate and meets the legal test in the specific circumstances.
The global supply of illicit tobacco is significant and the high profit margins continue to attract organised criminal networks. HMRC are fully aware of this threat and take robust, coordinated action in response. Working in close partnership across government, we target production at its source, intercept illicit products at the border and in retail environments, and pursue and prosecute those involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
Stubbing out the problem: A new strategy to tackle illicit tobacco - GOV.UK sets out how HMRC, Border Force and partner agencies tackle illicit tobacco. It seeks to target loopholes at all stages of the supply chain, to keep ahead of the criminals. The strategy:
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sets out a new root and branch approach - which targets the demand for illicit trade (the consumers that criminals seek to exploit) as well as the supply (the criminals themselves).
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is supported by over £100 million new funding to boost HMRC and Border Force enforcement capability.
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establishes a new, cross-government Illicit Tobacco Taskforce – combining the operational, investigative and intelligence expertise of various agencies, and enhancing their ability to disrupt organised crime.
National Trading Standards plays a key part in tackling illicit tobacco at a local level. It provides both a visible and tangible deterrent that organised criminality and anti-social behaviour surrounding the supply of illicit tobacco will not be tolerated. HMRC values the close working partnership it has with National Trading Standards through Operation CeCe and is committed to building on its success by increasing the level of funding available to Trading Standards. This means that we can have an even greater impact in tackling the illicit tobacco trade, undertaking more visits, creating more disruption, detecting and seizing more illicit product, tackling underage sales and reducing community harm.
HMRC is progressing preparations for the 1 October 2026 introduction of Vaping Products Duty with a strong focus on compliance readiness and illicit market risk.
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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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