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** 23 September 2025
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UK


** British Heart Foundation urges swift action on tobacco bill, citing Nantwich heart patient (#1) #1
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** Smoking rates and youth vaping targeted in Telford and Wrekin (#2)
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** NHS outperforms productivity target, easing pressure on Reeves' Budget plans (#3)
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International


** EU capitals reject Commission’s tobacco levy plan over budget concerns (#4)
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UK


** British Heart Foundation urges swift action on tobacco bill, citing Nantwich heart patient

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has renewed its call for urgent passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, highlighting the personal story of Darren Dale, a 50-year-old from Nantwich, to illustrate the life-threatening impact of smoking. Mr Dale, who smoked for three decades, underwent a triple heart bypass earlier this year after developing severe heart disease attributed to his tobacco use.

Since the Bill's introduction in November 2024, BHF analysis estimates around 10,800 people in the UK have died from smoking-related cardiovascular disease, with the toll rising by approximately 40 deaths daily. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death nationwide, accounting for at least 15,000 cardiovascular deaths annually.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the BHF, said strong legislation is needed urgently to stop future generations from dying early due to tobacco. She warned that without swift government action, smoking-related illness and death will continue to devastate families and communities, especially in more deprived areas where smoking rates—and the risk of heart disease—are significantly higher.

The proposed legislation would phase out tobacco sales for anyone born after 1 January 2009, restrict vape flavours and packaging that appeal to children, and extend smokefree zones around public spaces such as schools and hospitals.

Source: Bolton News, 23 September 2025

See also: ASH – Tobacco and Vapes Bill ([link removed]) | Frequently asked questions ([link removed]) | Smoking, the Heart and Circulation ([link removed])
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** Smoking rates and youth vaping targeted in Telford and Wrekin

Health authorities in Shropshire are intensifying efforts to reduce smoking and vaping, especially among young people and those living in deprived areas. However, despite previous investments, public health director Helen Onions revealed that the number of adults setting a quit date has declined sharply over the past decade, dropping from over 1,000 people who quit to fewer than 300. In response, Telford & Wrekin Council is considering the formation of a "smoke free alliance" alongside the NHS, police, and other local organisations to coordinate their efforts.

Source: BBC News, 22 September 2025

See also: Telford & Wrekin Council - Annual Public Health Report 2025 Towards a Smoke Free Future ([link removed] Public Health Report 2025 Smoke Free Telford WrekinHWB18.09.2025.pdf)
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** NHS outperforms productivity target, easing pressure on Reeves' Budget plans

Health authorities in the UK have reported a 2.7% rise in NHS productivity for the year ending March 2025, exceeding the Government's 2% target and providing a modest but timely boost for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the autumn Budget. The increase—driven by shorter hospital stays, reduced agency staff costs, and improved use of technology and treatments—has helped the Department of Health and Social Care reduce spending by £1bn over the year. NHS England, which was allocated £171bn for 2023–24, now accounts for nearly 40% of total UK public spending.

While productivity still remains 8.8% below pre-pandemic levels, the improvement is a step towards achieving the Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s target of 2% annual productivity growth to deliver £17bn in savings by 2028–29. The positive figures may help the Chancellor manage looming fiscal pressures, with economists estimating she will need to find £20bn–£50bn to balance her upcoming Budget.

Source: The Telegraph, 23 September 2025
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International


** EU capitals reject Commission’s tobacco levy plan over budget concerns

Plans by the European Commission to introduce a new EU-wide tobacco levy—part of its broader revenue strategy for the 2028–2034 budget—are facing opposition from a majority of member states. The proposed Tobacco Excise Duty Own Resource (TEDOR) aims to raise approximately €11.2 billion annually by diverting 15% of national tobacco tax income directly to the EU budget.
Fourteen countries, including Italy, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Portugal, and Romania, have pushed back against the proposal. They argue TEDOR would effectively transfer funds from national budgets to the EU without reducing existing contributions or administrative burdens. Some questioned whether they would be required to compensate for any revenue shortfalls if the plan underperformed.

The Commission’s revenue projections are based on a yet-to-be-finalised revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TED), creating further uncertainty. While TEDOR could, in principle, operate under current legislation, this would result in significantly lower income than projected.

Source: Euractiv, 23 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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