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Levy on tobacco industry could expand smoking cessation services
A report by AstraZeneca and backed by CVD charities focusing on a plan for tackling cardiovascular disease recommends a levy on tobacco manufacturers that could generate £700 million in its first year. The report, in line with calls to action from the APPG on Smoking and Health, Smokefree Action Coalition and ASH, suggests that the revenue could fund smoking cessation programmes and have funds left over to enable “enhanced” programmes such as “national walk-in stop smoking services in pharmacies”. The report also calls for stronger national leadership on cardiovascular disease and better resourcing of neighbourhood health services.
Source: Pharmacy Magazine, 3 February 2026
See also: Getting to the heart of the matter: A national plan for tackling cardiovascular disease
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Smoking remains the largest preventable cause of cancer in the UK
New research from the World Health Organisation has found that 7.1 million cancer cases in 2022 were preventable globally, with 32.6% of all cases in the UK being preventable. The report found that smoking was the largest cause of preventable cancer, accounting for 16.2% of cases in the UK.
The findings indicate that for men, 18.5% of preventable cancers were caused by smoking, and 13.8% for women. Dr Andre Ilbawi, WHO team lead for cancer control, stressed the importance of investment in prevention, stating that “prevention must be communicated carefully, focusing on risk reduction, not blame”.
Source: The Independent, 4 February 2026
See also: Fink, H., Langselius, O., Vignat, J. et al. Global and regional cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors to inform prevention. Nat Med (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-026-04219-7
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Wales approves higher minimum alcohol pricing to curb harm
The Welsh Senedd has agreed to increase the minimum unit price at which alcohol can be sold, raising the threshold from October as part of efforts to address rising levels of alcohol-related harm. The change means that a bottle of whisky that currently costs £14 will cost at least £18.20. Ministers argue the policy is supported by evidence showing it can reduce deaths and lower the number of people drinking at harmful levels.
Source: BBC News, 3 February 2026
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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New national Cancer Plan aims to improve long-term survival
The government has announced an overhaul of cancer services in England, backed by £2 billion in new funding, with the aim of improving cancer survival rates over the next decade. Under the plans, Ministers have announced a goal of three in four cancer patients surviving by 2035.
The strategy focuses on earlier detection, faster access to treatment and wider use of advanced technologies. Measures include expanding diagnostic capacity, increasing the availability of scanning and testing, extending the operating hours of diagnostic centres and making greater use of robotic surgery. Patients are also expected to benefit from wider access to genetic testing to help tailor treatments more precisely.
Source: The Guardian, 4 February 2026
See also: The New National Cancer Plan for England: delivering world class cancer care
Editorial note: The Cancer Plan reinforced the Government’s commitment to implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, integrating opt-out smoking cessation support into routine care, supporting pregnant women to stop smoking and investing £70 million into local authority Stop Smoking Services.
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Reform UK pledges to take 5p off a pint by reintroducing the two-child benefit cap
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has set out a multibillion-pound package aimed at supporting pubs and the wider hospitality industry, including tax cuts and regulatory changes intended to reduce costs for businesses and publicans. The proposals would be paid for by reinstating the two-child benefit cap.
Source: Daily Mirror, 3 February 2026
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Australia: Tobacco industry funding to National party disclosed
The Australian Electoral Commission’s annual financial disclosure information shows that tobacco companies, including Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT), provided financial support to Australia’s National party during the 2024–25 financial year. The disclosures indicate that PMI donated $137,500 to the party, following PMI’s pre-budget submission where they lobbied for a freeze to tobacco excise. BAT funded the National Party through “other receipts” totalling $88,000.
Source: The Guardian, 2 February 2026
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Concerns raised over how vaping evidence for quitting smoking is presented
An academic commentary has questioned whether research on e-cigarettes as a tool to help smokers quit is being communicated accurately. The authors analysed 16 systematic reviews on e-cigarettes and suggest that many reported effective quit outcomes for people using vaping products compared with other aids yet stopped short of supporting their use in practice. The analysis suggests that favourable results are often minimised in conclusions. The researchers warn that this pattern may contribute to effective cessation options being overlooked.
Source: Asian Trader, 3 February 2026
See also: O’Leary, R., La Rosa, G.R.M. & Polosa, R. Reverse spin bias: preliminary observations of reporting bias in medical systematic reviews. Res Integr Peer Rev 11, 1 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-025-00185-9
Editorial note: Riccardo Polosa, one author of this study, has previously received funding from the Foundation for a Smokefree World, which is funded by tobacco company Philip Morris International.
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Cigarette butts remain the most common form of litter in Australia
New figures from an annual national clean-up survey in Australia show that discarded cigarette butts continue to be the most frequently collected item across Australia’s streets, waterways and green spaces. They now account for nearly one quarter of all litter collected by Clean up Australia volunteers.
Chair of Clean up Australia, Pip Kiernan, stated that cigarette butts are made from plastic “that doesn’t break down” and “leaches toxins into the environment”.
Source: Daily Mail, 3 February 2026
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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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