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** 9 September 2025
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UK


** Smoking linked to rise in long-term illness among working-age adults (#1)
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** Waste industry says vape ban failing to stem fires and improper disposal (#2)
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** Hospital league tables reintroduced amid concerns over usefulness to patients (#3)
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International


** Ireland: Concerns raised over youth vaping in Ireland amid rise in nicotine use (#4)
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** US: Nicotine pouch use common among former tobacco users (#5)
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** US: FDA calls for child-resistant packaging as nicotine pouch exposures increase (#6)
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** Turkey expands mobile health services to curb tobacco use (#7)
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Parliamentary activity


** Written questions (#8)
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UK


** Smoking linked to rise in long-term illness among working-age adults

Research led by University College London has found that nearly one million smokers in England are unable to work due to illness or disability, a figure that has risen by almost 80% since 2013. Using data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, the researchers observed that working-age smokers are nearly three times as likely to be out of work for health reasons as non-smokers. They also noted a clear trend showing that the longer someone has quit smoking, the lower their risk of being out of work due to poor health.

Dr Sarah Jackson, lead researcher at UCL’s Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said the findings highlight the wider economic and health burden of smoking, and reinforce the importance of investment in stop smoking services.

Responding to the findings, Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK (CRUK) stresses the urgent need for government action on the stalled Tobacco and Vapes Bill. He warns that tobacco use continues to place a major strain on the NHS and the economy, and highlights the need for long-term funding for stop smoking services, particularly in deprived areas.

Source: The Times, 8 September 2025

Editorial note: ASH has previously estimated ([link removed]) that 230,000 people in the UK are unfit to work due to smoking-related illnesses including cancer, heart disease, COPD and diabetes. The ASH estimate is more conservative than the UCL figure because it uses a different methodology and dataset.

See also: Jackson S, Garnett C, Shahab L, Brown J. Trends in health-related economic inactivity by smoking status in England, 2013–2025: a population-based analysis ([link removed](25)00211-X/fulltext) . Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2025 Sep 7; [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101419
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** Waste industry says vape ban failing to stem fires and improper disposal

Strategy and packaging manager at waste firm Biffa, Roger Wright, has said the UK’s ban on disposable vapes is falling short, with improper disposal continuing to cause fires and disruption across the sector.

Biffa reports that in the three months following the disposable vape ban in June, the number of vapes found in recycling bins has increased by 3%, with around a million devices estimated to be entering the system each month. It is noted that this may be partly due to large numbers of disposable vapes being sold off at low prices ahead of the ban. The firm has called for improved kerbside collection of electrical items to boost safe disposal rates.

In June, Biffa experienced 60 fires from vapes and other small electrical items. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact device which caused the fire once it has occurred.

Marcus Saxton, chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade, argues that consumer data shows that people are refilling and recharging vapes and points to leftover disposables washing through the market and the illicit trade. The government states that it has made it compulsory for retailers to provide recycling bins and plans further action under its circular economy strategy.

Source: BBC News, 9 September 2025
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** Hospital league tables reintroduced amid concerns over usefulness to patients

The government has reintroduced national rankings for NHS trusts in England, publishing league tables based on a wide set of performance indicators including waiting times, finances and patient experience. The aim is to increase accountability, improve care standards, and reduce regional variation. Specialist hospitals dominate the top of the rankings, while Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn placed lowest.

Trusts will now be grouped into performance segments, with stronger performers given more autonomy and lower performers receiving targeted support. However, health policy experts have questioned whether the system will genuinely help patients make informed choices, warning that simplified scores may obscure the complexity of services, and could deter staff or patients from engaging with lower-ranked providers.

The move is part of wider efforts by ministers to restore public confidence in the NHS, although critics argue that structural inequalities, particularly in smaller or more remote trusts, may be exacerbated.

Source: The Guardian, 9 September 2025
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International


** Ireland: Concerns raised over youth vaping in Ireland amid rise in nicotine use

An Irish study has found that the number of people using e-cigarettes, especially young people, has risen in recent years. Researchers reported a significant increase in nicotine use among those aged 15 to 24, particularly since the arrival of disposable vapes, and highlighted that vaping is now more common than cigarette use among this age group.

The study, based on national survey data, found weaker links between dual-use and intentions to quit smoking than in the past. Authors suggested that e-cigarettes may not be acting as a meaningful quit aid at the population level and proposed exploring stricter regulations, including limiting sales to pharmacies, as seen in Australia.

The article notes that this contrasts with a recent Cochrane systematic review which found strong evidence from clinical trials that e-cigarettes can be more effective than nicotine patches or gum in helping people to quit smoking.

Source: The Journal, 8 September 2025

Editorial note: As the article highlights, the latest evidence from a regularly updated Cochrane systematic review ([link removed]) shows that people using nicotine-containing vapes are almost twice as likely to successfully quit smoking than those using other nicotine replacement products, like patches or gum. GB data from ASH indicates that vapes have been the most popular aid to quitting ([link removed]) among those who have successfully stopped smoking in the last 5 years. In the UK, rates of youth smoking have continued to decline as youth vaping has increased. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will give the government stronger powers to regulate vapes to prevent them from being marketed to children and non-smokers.

The Lancet study cited in the article has several limitations which the authors acknowledge. It is based on cross-sectional data so cannot demonstrate cause and effect. Participants who exclusively vape were not asked about their smoking history, so data on the number of people who have quit smoking through vaping was not captured.

See also: Brennan MM, Murray K, Kee F, et al. Evolution of nicotine product use in Ireland 2015–2023, and associations with quit intentions and attempts: an analysis of nationally representative repeated cross-sectional surveys ([link removed](25)00144-9/fulltext) . Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2024;55:101352. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101352 |
ASH - Vaping: what you need to know ([link removed]) | ASH - Youth vaping: the facts ([link removed])
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** US: Nicotine pouch use common among former tobacco users

A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that nicotine pouches may be used by former tobacco users as a less harmful alternative to smoking or vaping. Analysing data from over 110,000 U.S. adults, researchers found that regular use of nicotine pouches is rare overall but more common among individuals who have recently quit other tobacco products. While the products are not approved as cessation aids, their use appears concentrated among those seeking to reduce health risks. Concerns remain about rising youth uptake and the unknown long-term health effects of nicotine pouches, prompting calls for closer regulatory oversight.

Source: Rutgers University, 8 September 2025

See also: Delnevo CD, Hrywna M, Miller Lo EJ, et al. Patterns of nicotine pouch use among adults in the US, 2022-2023 ([link removed]) . JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(9): e2531155. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.31155.
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** US: FDA calls for child-resistant packaging as nicotine pouch exposures increase

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling on nicotine pouch manufacturers to adopt child-resistant packaging amid growing concerns over accidental poisonings in young children. Reports to Poison Control involving nicotine pouch exposure have increased significantly, with most cases affecting children under five.

The FDA warned that even small amounts of nicotine can be toxic or fatal to young children, prompting the agency to emphasise safe storage and immediate medical response in case of ingestion. While some authorised products already include protective packaging, many on the market do not, raising public health concerns as the popularity of nicotine pouches grows—particularly among youth.

Source: CNN, 5 September 2025
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** Turkey expands mobile health services to curb tobacco use

Turkey has introduced a nationwide campaign to reduce tobacco consumption by deploying mobile clinics and outreach teams across all provinces. These teams operate in diverse locations such as public spaces, industrial zones, and educational institutions, aiming to educate citizens about tobacco risks and connect them with cessation resources. Medical professionals are available on-site to initiate treatment for those ready to quit. The initiative is part of a broader 2024–2028 national action plan to protect public health, particularly among youth, as tobacco use remains prevalent among over a third of the adult population.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News, 9 September 2025
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Written questions


** Asked by: Andrew Rosindell, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs), Conservative

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make a comparative assessment of (a) the recent HMRC tax gap estimates for tobacco excise duty with (b) the data in UCL’s report entitled Trends in smoking prevalence and socio-economic inequalities across regions in England: A population study, 2006 to 2024, published on 18 March 2025, on smoking prevalence in (i) 2023-24 and (ii) 2024-25.

Answered by: Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury) Chipping Barnet, Labour

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimates the size of the UK tax gap, which is the difference between the amount of tax that should, in theory, be paid to HMRC, and what is actually paid. The tax gap statistics and details of the estimate methodologies are published annually and are available at: Measuring tax gaps 2025 edition: tax gap estimates for 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab) ([link removed])

HMRC have a continuous programme of development to improve and strengthen tax gap estimates. Tax gap estimates adhere to the values, principles and protocols set out in the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Statistics(opens in a new tab) ([link removed]) . Tax gap estimates are reviewed each year and take into account the availability of more up-to-date data and more recent years’ information. ‘Measuring tax gaps 2026 edition: tax gaps estimates for 2024 to 2025’ is scheduled for June 2026.

Source: Hansard, 5 September 2025
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** Asked by: David Taylor, Hemel Hempstead, Labour

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the report by Action on Smoking and Health entitled At risk? Tobacco dependence treatment in the NHS, published on 28 August 2025.

Answered by: Ashley Dalton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) West Lancashire, Labour

As set out in the 10 Year Health Plan, the Government remains committed to ensuring that all hospitals integrate ‘opt-out’ smoking cessation interventions into routine care. This is an important part of our ambition for a smoke-free United Kingdom. We assess that continued investment into National Health Service tobacco dependence services at a local level is important to realise this ambition. We note the risks highlighted in this report and we will continue to monitor investment of NHS tobacco dependence services.

Integrated care boards have access to funding to support the rollout of tobacco dependency treatment services in hospital settings, including acute and mental health inpatient settings and maternity services, within their 2025/26 allocations. Future funding decisions, including any decision to expand tobacco dependency treatment services to additional settings beyond routine care, are subject to the Spending Review process.

Source: Hansard, 8 September 2025
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** Asked by: Sir John Hayes, South Holland and the Deepings, Conservative

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if her Department will take (a) fiscal and (b) legislative steps to help prevent repeat offenders in the illicit tobacco market operating through high street retailers.

Answered by: Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury) Chipping Barnet, Labour

HMRC has a robust strategy to tackle the illicit tobacco trade.
In July 2023, HMRC introduced a strengthened sanctions regime for breaches of the UK Tobacco Track and Trace System to combat illicit tobacco sales, particularly targeting repeat offenders operating through high street retailers.

Powers introduced under the Finance Act 2022 enable HMRC to apply an escalating sanctions model based on both the frequency and severity of offences. Penalties include fines of up to £10,000, seizure of illicit products, and exclusion from the UK Tobacco Track and Trace system.

New powers were also given to Trading Standards to make referrals to HMRC where they find evidence of high street retailers selling tobacco products that do not comply with the UK Tobacco Track and Trace System. HMRC is then able to apply the sanctions model as appropriate to tackle the non-compliance.

Source: Hansard, 4 September 2025
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** Asked by: Andrew Rosindell, Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs), Conservative

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of existing enforcement (a) powers and (b) resources available to (i) Trading Standards and (ii) local authorities to tackle the sale of illegal tobacco by businesses.

Answered by: Ashley Dalton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) West Lancashire, Labour

There are a range of tools available to enforce the sale of illicit tobacco, which reflect the severity of the offence committed. Trading Standards can seize illicit goods and refer cases to HM Revenue and Customs to make decisions about penalties, which can include fines of up to £10,000 and deactivation of a business's economic operator ID, restricting or removing their ability to purchase or sell tobacco in the United Kingdom. Further details are set out in HM Revenue and Customs’ Illicit Tobacco Strategy, at the following link:

[link removed](opens in a new tab) ([link removed])

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will strengthen enforcement and crack down on rogue retailers selling illegal and unregulated tobacco and vape products to children and young people. The Bill introduces new £200 fixed penalty notices in England and Wales for certain tobacco and vape offences, including underage sales, and enables the introduction of a retail licensing scheme in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and a new registration scheme for tobacco, vape, and nicotine products sold on the UK market.

Alongside the bill, we are investing £30 million of new funding for enforcement agencies in 2025/26, including Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs, and Border Force. This funding is being used to support the enforcement of illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales in England, and the implementation of the measures in the bill, including a boost to the Trading Standards workforce by recruiting approximately 80 new apprentices.

Source: Hansard, 4 September 2025
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** Asked by: Patrick Hurley, Southport, Labour

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to implement automatic enrolment into stop smoking support at (a) A&E departments, (b) cancer screening appointments, (c) mental health services and (d) other NHS services (i) in Liverpool City Region and (ii) nationally.

Answered by: Ashley Dalton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care) West Lancashire, Labour

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we remain committed to ensuring all hospitals integrate smoking cessation interventions into routine care.

NHS England have already rolled out tobacco dependence treatment programmes in acute and mental health inpatient settings, and maternity services. As of March 2025, 93% of acute and mental health in-patient services and 97% of maternity services, nationally, had tobacco dependence treatment offers. In the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), 12 out of 13 in-patient services and all seven maternity services had an offer.

As part of their allocations for 2025/26, ICBs have access to funding to support the provision of tobacco dependency treatment to smokers. Funding for future years is subject to final decisions following the recent Spending Review.

Source: Hansard, 4 September 2025
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** Asked by: Andrew Snowdon, Flyde, Conservative

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 66321 on Schools: Electronic Cigarettes, whether she has had recent discussions with education providers on the potential impact of the ban on single use vapes on the prevalence of vaping in schools.

Asked by: Stephen Morgan, Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury, Portsmouth South, Labour

The sale of vapes to under 18s is illegal, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban the sale of all consumer nicotine products to anyone under 18. Since 1 June 2025, it is illegal for businesses to sell or supply all single use vapes.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, engages consistently with school leaders and education providers on a range of topics, including pupil behaviour, and will continue to do so.

Source: Hansard, 4 September 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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