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** 10 December 2025
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UK


** Senedd votes to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Wales (#1)
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** Opinion: Why implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Northern Ireland is essential for protecting future generations (#2)
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** Investing in prevention could deliver substantial health and economic benefits, Deloitte report finds (#3)
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** ELFBAR gains recognition for new nicotine-reduction vape kit (#4)
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** International
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** Opinion: Why introducing nicotine pouches in New Zealand would undermine public health goals (#5)
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** Dallas extends smoke-free rules to include vaping in public spaces (#6)
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UK


** Senedd votes to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Wales

The Senedd has passed the Legislative Consent Motion on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, meaning that the Bill will apply in Wales. A vote was held in the Senedd because the Tobacco and Vapes Bill covers health which is devolved to the Welsh Government. The Deputy Welsh Government Minister Sarah Murphy explained that “decisive action is needed” to tackle smoking rates and youth vaping in Wales, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides a “vital opportunity” to do this.

Source: WalesOnline, 9 December 2025

See also: Welsh Government – Senedd backs measure to create a smoke-free generation and curb youth vaping ([link removed])
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** Opinion: Why implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Northern Ireland is essential for protecting future generations

Richard Spratt, CEO of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, explains why he believes Northern Ireland must fully adopt the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Drawing on decades of work in cancer prevention, he highlights that in Northern Ireland tobacco use causes 2,200 deaths a year, which is equivalent to around 15% of all deaths. He notes that the burden of smoking falls heaviest on disadvantaged communities, with smoking rates more than three times higher in Northern Ireland’s most deprived communities than the least.

Spratt maintains that phasing out tobacco sales for those born from 2009 onwards is the most effective way to prevent addiction in future generations, arguing that critics’ calls for raising the age of sale to 21 instead would still lead to young people becoming addicted to smoking. Spratt also acknowledges the concerns raised in relation to the Windsor Framework but explains that he believes that necessary arrangements will be made for the Bill to apply in Northern Ireland. He concludes that this Bill represents a vital opportunity to protect the next generation from the harm caused by tobacco.

Source: NewsLetter, 10 December 2025
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** Investing in prevention could deliver substantial health and economic benefits, Deloitte report finds

A Deloitte report highlights that increasing spending on preventative healthcare could yield significant returns for the UK, with estimates of £8 gained for every £1 invested. Expanding prevention from 6% to 10% of healthcare spending could save the NHS £42 billion over a decade and prevent 5,400 deaths annually. The report found that early-life interventions such as maternal care, diet, exercise and vaccination could raise £13.50 for every £1 invested, and later life interventions addressing respiratory disease and social isolation could yield £5.30 for every £1. The Department for Health and Social care said the government is “tackling the biggest drivers of poor health” and “building a healthier nation” through measures such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will create a smokefree generation in the UK.

Source: Healthcare Management UK, 9 December 2025

See also: Deloitte- The shift to prevention: Realising the socio-economic potential ([link removed])
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** ELFBAR gains recognition for new nicotine-reduction vape kit

Vape brand ELFBAR has received design awards for its nicotine-reduction kit, designed to help adults gradually reduce their use of nicotine. The product offers a staged programme over three months, gradually reducing the amount of nicotine in the vaping pods included in the kit. The company says it plans to introduce the product once market preparations are complete.

Source: Packaging Scotland, 9 December 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** International
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** Opinion: Why introducing nicotine pouches in New Zealand would undermine public health goals

Writing in the Conversation, Janet Hoek, Andrew Waa and Jude Ball from the University of Otago argue that introducing oral nicotine pouches into New Zealand would be a setback for efforts to reduce smoking and nicotine addiction. They state that the country has already missed its smokefree target of 5% for the end of this year, alongside a rise in youth vaping, with an estimated 13.6% of young people aged 15-17 in New Zealand vaping daily. The authors argue that allowing another nicotine product onto the market would only worsen these trends.

They state that there is no reliable evidence that nicotine pouches help people quit smoking or vaping. They conclude that no new nicotine product should be approved without independent proof that it will genuinely improve public health.

Source: The Conversation, 9 December 2025
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** Dallas extends smoke-free rules to include vaping in public spaces

Dallas has updated its regulations to classify vaping alongside traditional smoking, banning e-cigarette use in most indoor and enclosed public areas, as well as within 15 feet of building entrances. The move aligns the city with other major Texas metros such as Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Businesses will need to update signage to reflect the rules, following a one-year transition period to allow for compliance.

Source: San Antonio Express News, 9 December 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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