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** 10 February 2026
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** UK
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** Scotland: Researchers warn tobacco firms are repeating old tactics to weaken Tobacco and Vapes Bill (#1)
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** Teen taken to hospital after using a spiked vape near school (#2)
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** International
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** Nicotine product sponsorships keep tobacco industry visible in Formula 1 (#3)
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** People who smoke in Ireland face heart attacks at a younger age, audit finds (#4)
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** Philip Morris updates Iqos range with new Iluma i devices (#5)
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** UK and US fall to new lows in annual corruption index (#6)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Public health ring-fenced grant financial year 2026 to 2027: local authority circular (#7)
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** Northern Ireland Written Answer (#8)
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** UK
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** Scotland: Researchers warn tobacco firms are repeating old tactics to weaken Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Academics at the University of Stirling have warned that the tobacco industry is again attempting to influence tobacco control policy, using strategies similar to those deployed ahead of Scotland’s 2006 smoke-free legislation. Their findings come as the country approaches the 20th anniversary of the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces.
The warning coincides with the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, about to begin its next Parliamentary stage. Researchers and public health advocates argue that industry lobbying risks undermining the scope and effectiveness of these measures. The renewed analysis draws on a reissued report by ASH Scotland examining how tobacco companies sought to delay and dilute the 2006 indoor smokefree legislation.
Source: Stirling News, 9 February 2026
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** Teen taken to hospital after using a spiked vape near school
Police are investigating an incident in North Tyneside after a secondary school pupil was taken to hospital having reportedly become unwell after using a spiked vape on a school bus. The student received medical assessment and was discharged later the same day. Northumbria Police confirmed that a teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of involvement in supplying drugs and has since been released on bail.
Source: The Sun, 9 February 2026
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** International
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** Nicotine product sponsorships keep tobacco industry visible in Formula 1
A new report by Stopping Tobacco Organisations and Products (STOP) has highlighted how companies such as Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco spent around $40 million in a single year promoting nicotine pouches via team and driver sponsorships in Formula 1, despite a ban on tobacco advertising.
Nicotine pouches fall outside many existing tobacco regulations, enabling brands to maintain visibility on cars, race suits and at fan events. STOP argues this exploits regulatory gaps and targets a younger audience, particularly as 43% of the Formula 1 fanbase are under 35, according to Formula 1’s data.
Source: GPFans, 9 February 2026
See also:STOP report – Driving Addiction, A Race for Future Generations – How F1 and Big Tobacco marketing align to recruit young consumers ([link removed])
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** People who smoke in Ireland face heart attacks at a younger age, audit finds
The 2024 Irish Heart Attack Audit National Report found that people who smoke experience major heart attacks 11 years earlier than those who do not, with the age gap widening to 13 years among women. The findings show smoking remains a significant contributor to heart attacks – in 2024 36% of patients in Ireland who had a heart attack were current smokers.
Source: The Journal, 10 February 2026
See also: National Office of Clinical Audit: Irish Heart Attack Audit National Report 2024 ([link removed])
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** Philip Morris updates Iqos range with new Iluma i devices
Philip Morris Limited has launches a new version of its Iqos heated tobacco products, expanding its Iluma line with three new device options now available to UK retailers. The updated range introduces a digital touch screen designed to tailor usage to individual behaviour, alongside automated heating functions.
Source: Better Retailing, 9 February 2026
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** UK and US fall to new lows in annual corruption index
The latest Corruption Perceptions Index from Transparency International reveals that both the UK and the US have lowered their democratic score. Transparency International cite concerns over political donations, influence of wealthy backers, and the targeting of journalists and campaigners as factors contributing to erosion of public trust.
The UK has fallen steadily in rankings over the past decade, while the US also recorded its lowest score. The report calls for stronger measures to curb the influence of money in politics, increase transparency, and reinforce institutional independence.
Source: The Guardian, 10 February 2026
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Public health ring-fenced grant financial year 2026 to 2027: local authority circular
The Government have announced allocations of the local government public health grant for 2026-27.
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** Northern Ireland Written Answer
Asked by Timothy Gaston, Traditional Unionist Voice, North Antrim
To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether he has received legal advice on the compatibility of the proposed UK ban on certain tobacco and vaping products with the EU Tobacco Products Directive as it applies to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework; and (ii) for his assessment of the risk that such measures could expose Northern Ireland to infringement proceedings or require regulatory divergence from Great Britain.
Answer
The UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a Westminster Bill and it is therefore for the UK Government to ensure its compliance with the Windsor Framework. The UK Government has advised that its position remains that the Bill will apply in Northern Ireland and that its provisions are consistent with its domestic and international obligations under the Windsor Framework.
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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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