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** 29 January 2025
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** UK
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** Tobacco giant accused of keeping budget cigarette prices low to sustain smoking rates (#1)
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** MPs warn NHS reforms at risk due to lack of urgency (#B)
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** GPs to screen for gambling problems alongside smoking and drinking (#2)
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** Starmer: government will prioritise deregulation to drive economic growth (#3)
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** Digital tool could reduce alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions (#4)
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** Darlington considers banning smoking and vaping in outdoor seating areas (#5)
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** UK
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** Tobacco giant accused of keeping budget cigarette prices low to sustain smoking rates

Anti-smoking campaigners have criticised Philip Morris International (PMI) for keeping price increases on its budget-friendly Chesterfield cigarettes significantly lower than those on its premium Marlboro brand. While Marlboro prices rose by up to 11 per cent in the past year, Chesterfield prices increased by just 1 per cent.

Critics argue that PMI are using a tactic described as “under-shifting” tax rises, absorbing the increase in tobacco duty instead of shifting this to an increase in product price. Campaigners argue this undermines public health efforts by maintaining the affordability of cigarettes, particularly for young and price-sensitive smokers.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), highlighted that despite regular tax hikes, the tobacco industry has consistently minimised their impact. She stated that this approach enables companies to “maximise the number of smokers and their own profits,” preventing the full effectiveness of taxation as a deterrent.

PMI made nearly £8bn in profits last year, campaigners have proposed government intervention to limit tobacco industry profits, such as a levy on combustible tobacco products. With traditional cigarettes still making up the majority of PMI’s revenue, public health experts warn that the company remains financially reliant on sustaining smoking rates.

Source: The i, 29 January 2025

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** MPs warn NHS reforms at risk due to lack of urgency

A parliamentary committee has criticised senior NHS and government officials for failing to show the vision and determination needed to deliver the health service reforms promised by the government. MPs on the public accounts committee expressed frustration at what they described as complacency and a lack of fresh thinking within NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.

The government’s long-term strategy aims to modernise the NHS by shifting care into the community, embracing digital technology, and prioritising prevention to reduce pressure on hospitals. However, the committee warned that progress is too slow, with outdated systems still in use and productivity declining despite a larger workforce.

Concerns were also raised about the NHS’s ability to achieve its financial efficiency targets, with MPs doubting whether promised savings will materialise. While the NHS and DHSC defended their approach, the report highlights significant challenges in meeting the government’s ambitious health agenda.
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** Source: The Guardian, 29 January 2025
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** GPs to screen for gambling problems alongside smoking and drinking

New NHS guidance recommends that GPs routinely ask patients about gambling habits during health checks and registration, alongside questions on smoking, alcohol, and substance use. This move aims to identify and support those at risk of gambling-related harm, with over a million people in Britain estimated to struggle with problem gambling.
The guidance, issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), suggests using an NHS online questionnaire to assess the severity of gambling issues.

Patients scoring high on the scale will be referred to specialist NHS gambling clinics, which have expanded to 15 units across England, expected to treat 3,000 individuals annually. Support includes counselling, practical advice, and software to block gambling sites.

Source: The Telegraph, 28 January 2025 See also:New NICE Guidelines on gambling ([link removed] )

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** Starmer: government will prioritise deregulation to drive economic growth

Writing in the Times, Kier Starmer reaffirmed the government's commitment to economic expansion, arguing that reducing regulatory barriers is essential to boosting investment and job creation. Ministers believe that excessive bureaucracy has hindered business growth and infrastructure development, leading to stagnation. The proposed changes include streamlining planning laws, simplifying environmental regulations, and limiting legal challenges that delay major projects.

These reforms are intended to create a more attractive environment for investment, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, housing, and transport. The government argues that a stronger economy will support public services, ensuring long-term prosperity.

Source: The Times, 28 January 2025

See also: Future of the NHS: Health officials out of ideas and remarkably complacent, PAC finds ([link removed]) , the report includes the following recommendation:
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** On prevention, it is likely that refocusing from treating sickness to prevention will require a similar shift of funds in the same direction. The PAC recommends that a definition be reached for what counts as prevention spending; that officials set out the funding increases required to achieve it; and for local systems to be given the required flexibility and autonomy to direct funds to the right areas.
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** See also: Keir Starmer vows to ‘hard wire growth’ into cabinet decisions ([link removed])

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** Digital tool could reduce alcohol-related deaths and hospital admissions

A smartphone app designed to support people in cutting down their alcohol intake could significantly improve public health, according to new research. The Drink Less app, developed at University College London, helps users track their drinking habits and shift their attitudes towards alcohol.

A study from the University of Sheffield estimates that promoting the app nationally could prevent thousands of deaths and hospitalisations over the next two decades, saving the NHS millions. The study found that the app is particularly effective when recommended in primary care settings, such as by GPs.

While researchers support the integration of digital tools into healthcare, they stress that a broader national alcohol harm strategy is needed. This would include measures such as higher alcohol pricing, restrictions on marketing, and improved access to treatment. The study’s recommendations align with approaches taken in tobacco control, where price and availability are key levers for reducing harm.

Source: BBC News, 29 January 2025

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** Father quits smoking after 25 years with daughter's encouragement

A Suffolk father who struggled to stop smoking for decades finally quit after his young daughter expressed fears for his health. Having smoked since his late teens, he had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to give up, but a heartfelt plea from his child gave him the motivation to succeed.

Now smoke-free for seven years, he reflects on the challenges of breaking long-standing habits associated with smoking, such as having a cigarette after meals or while drinking. While nicotine withdrawal was manageable, he found changing routines the most difficult aspect of quitting.

His story is part of Never Stop Trying, a stop smoking campaign led by Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Town Football Club. The initiative aims to encourage smokers to take their first steps towards quitting by signposting them to local support services. Public health officials hope that sharing real-life experiences will inspire others to give up tobacco.

Source: BBC News, 28 January 2025

See also: Ipswich Town helps to launch stop smoking campaign ([link removed])
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** Darlington considers banning smoking and vaping in outdoor seating areas

Darlington Borough Council is proposing changes to its pavement café policy, including a ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor seating areas. The revised policy aims to create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors while supporting the town’s economy.

Under the new rules, pavement cafés will not be permitted to serve as outdoor smoking areas, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on smoking and vaping.

Source: The Northern Echo, 28 January 2025

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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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