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** 8 December 2025
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UK


** Concerns raised over legality of UK smoking ban (#1)
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** Stoke-on-Trent plans targeted push to cut smoking rates (#2)
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** Use of unregulated nicotine pouches rises among Scottish teens (#3)
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** Opinion: Organised crime on Britain’s high streets (#4)
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Parliamentary activity


** Written question (#5)
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UK


** Concerns raised over legality of UK smoking ban

Five European countries have objected to the UK’s planned generational smoking ban, arguing that it could breach international law under the Windsor Framework if applied in Northern Ireland. They say the region remains bound by EU Single Market rules on regulated products. Former Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland has warned that the policy could provoke a constitutional crisis and legal challenges.

The Government maintains that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will apply in Northern Ireland and is consistent with both domestic and international obligations. It also emphasises that the legislation is intended to create the first smoke-free generation and reduce nicotine addiction and disadvantage across the UK.

Source: The Sun, 5 December 2025

Editorial note: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently being reviewed under the EU Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS). This is due to the Bill applying in Northern Ireland which is still subject to some EU regulations as a result of the Windsor Framework. Due to the objections raised by Greece, Slovakia, Romania, Czechia, Italy, and Portugal the TRIS review process has been extended to 18th February 2026. The UK government has said:

“The Technical Regulatory Information System (TRIS) notification is a routine procedure required under the Windsor Framework. It is not an approval process.

“Receiving detailed opinions are a part of the TRIS process. The Government’s position remains that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will apply in Northern Ireland and is consistent with both our domestic and international obligations.”

Tobacco companies have a long history of using legal challenges to delay and block anti-smoking policies. The industry has stepped up it’s lobbying ([link removed]) of EU policymakers and some EU member states have been accused of ([link removed]) using their political influence to defend the interests of the industry. Both Greece and Romania have opposed the EU Commission’s attempts to strengthen the Tobacco Products Directive.

A recent report ([link removed]) published by the European Respiratory Society confirms that a smokefree generation law would be legal for an EU member state to introduce.

See also: The Telegraph - The mad smoking ban cannot apply in Northern Ireland. But the Government isn’t listening ([link removed])
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** Stoke-on-Trent plans targeted push to cut smoking rates

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has adopted a new tobacco control strategy aimed at sharply reducing the number of smokers across the city over the next five years. Around 13% of local adults currently smoke, and although recent progress has been made over the past decade, officials say the city must accelerate its efforts to reach national ambitions.

The strategy focuses on prevention, helping people to quit, tackling illegal tobacco sales and expanding smoke-free spaces. Support will be directed particularly at groups where smoking is most common, including people in manual work, those living in social housing, residents with long-term mental health conditions, unemployed people and pregnant women. Public health leaders argue that lowering smoking rates is essential to reducing health inequalities and preventing avoidable harm, including fire-related deaths.

Source: Stoke-on-Trent Live, 28 November 2025
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** Use of unregulated nicotine pouches rises among Scottish teens

A growing number of Scottish teenagers are using unregulated oral nicotine pouches that are widely sold in shops and online, and sometimes marketed in ways appealing to children. Research indicates pupils are drawn to the products because they are discreet and easier to conceal than smoking or vaping, though some report harmful effects such as gum pain, nausea and fainting.

ASH Scotland has warned that the tobacco industry is targeting young people with these addictive products and called for urgent action to limit their availability and visibility. The UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill is expected to introduce age restrictions on these products.

Source: Sunday Mail, 7 December 2025

See also: ASH - Nicotine pouches ([link removed])
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** Opinion: Organised crime on Britain’s high streets

Writing in the Times, the BBC’s UK editor Ed Thomas describes his investigation into organised crime on Britain’s high streets. This has revealed networks of gangs exploiting small shops to generate substantial profits, selling illicit products including tobacco and vapes, and relying on illegal labour, often involving asylum seekers working long hours for minimal pay. Ghost directors and other tactics were used to conceal true ownership, allowing criminal operations to continue largely unchecked.

The article notes that despite raids by the National Crime Agency and trading standards officers, most shops quickly reopen, underscoring the limits of current enforcement. Thomas highlights the intimidation, threats, and violence faced by investigators and the wider impact on communities, noting that legitimate shopkeepers feel powerless against these entrenched networks.

Source: The Sunday Times, 6 December 2025

Editorial note: The article states that “HM Revenue & Customs estimates that illegal tobacco and vape shops cost the UK at least £2.2 billion in lost taxes every year.” According to HMRC ([link removed]) , illicit tobacco cost the exchequer £1.8 billion in lost duty and VAT in 2023/24.

See also: ASH - Illicit tobacco: facts, trends and industry tactics ([link removed]) | BBC News - Crime network behind UK mini-marts is enabling migrants to work illegally ([link removed])
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Parliamentary activity


** Written question

Asked by: Andrew Rosindell, Conservative, Romford
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason tobacco duty increased above the rate of inflation in the Autumn Budget 2025.

Answered by: Dan Thomlinson, Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury) Labour, Chipping Barnet
At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government renewed the commitment to a tobacco duty escalator, which increases duty by 2 percent above RPI inflation at each Budget, until the end of the current Parliament. At Autumn Budget 2025, the duty on all tobacco products was increased in line with this commitment. The government also confirmed further increases of 2% above RPI plus an additional £2.20 per 100 cigarettes and per 50g of other tobacco products to take effect from 1 October 2026, alongside the introduction of Vaping Duty. This is part of the Government’s focus on health prevention and to continue our drive to reduce smoking prevalence.
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For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
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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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