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** 9 January 2026
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UK


** Hospital stop-smoking services narrow access gaps but outcomes still differ (#1)
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** Lung cancer survivor backs NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s campaign encouraging smokers to stop (#2)
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** Study finds most e-cigarette exposure causes little harm to dogs (#3)
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** Treasury signals retreat on pub tax rises after mounting pressure (#4)
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** NHS staff to provide on-the-spot health support during probation appointments (#5)
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** International
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** Russian official criticises age-based tobacco restrictions (#6)
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** Galicia’s youth restrictions on vaping prompt debate on Spain-wide controls (#7)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written answers (#8)
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** Links of the week
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** The King’s Fund blog- What’s in store for health and care in 2026? (#9)
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** NEW ASH report shows major expansion of local stop smoking services (#10)
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** Opinion: Retail can adapt as tobacco regulation tightens (#11)
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UK


** Hospital stop-smoking services narrow access gaps but outcomes still differ

A national study of 111 inpatient tobacco dependency services across England has found that patients from more deprived quintiles were the most likely to make a supported quit attempt. However, quit success was highest among those from the least deprived quintile. The findings suggest that these services are effective at reaching the populations at highest risk of smoking-related complications. However, hospitals may need enhanced, targeted follow-up and support after discharge to improve quit rates where disadvantage is greatest.

Source: European Medical Journal, 8 January 2026

See also: Agrawal S et al. Is the provision of a national opt-out tobacco dependence treatment service in acute hospitals in England equitable? A national cohort study. ([link removed]) Thorax. 2025; DOI:10.1136/thorax-2025-223890.
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** Lung cancer survivor backs NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s campaign encouraging smokers to stop

A Northwich father is taking part in NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s ‘What Will You Miss?’ campaign after overcoming lung cancer linked to decades of tobacco use. Having begun smoking in childhood and developed a heavy addiction, he was diagnosed in 2024 and later quit with specialist support from NHS services. Now cancer-free, he is sharing his experience to motivate others by focusing on the family milestones that quitting can help preserve. Dr Sarah McNulty, lead director of public health for Chesire and Merseyside’s All Together Smokefree programme, stated that the ‘What Will You Miss campaign’ reminds people who smoke “of the moments they don’t want to lose”, and lets people know that “they don’t have to face the challenge [of quitting] alone”.

Source: Northwich Guardian, 8 January 2026
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** Study finds most e-cigarette exposure causes little harm to dogs

A review of over 300 cases reported to a veterinary poisons service suggests that contact with e-cigarettes or refill liquids rarely leads to serious illness in dogs. The majority of affected dogs showed no symptoms or only minor, short-lived effects, and outcomes did not appear to worsen with higher estimated exposure. Serious complications were uncommon, with only one death recorded. While most cases can be handled with minimal intervention, the lead author Nicola Bates advises prompt veterinary assessment where heart or breathing problems are observed and note that reports of such exposures have increased in recent years.

Source: Vet Times, 8 January 2026

See also: N. Bates et al. Electronic cigarette or e-liquid (vape liquid) exposure in dogs: 321 cases (2011-2024). ([link removed]) Journal of Small Animal Practice. July 2025.
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** Treasury signals retreat on pub tax rises after mounting pressure

The Chancellor has indicated a U-turn on planned increases to business rates for pubs in England following protest from the hospitality industry and Labour backbenchers. The government is preparing a support package that is expected to soften the impact of higher charges that would otherwise have followed the end of pandemic-era reliefs and a property revaluation.

Source: The Guardian, 8 January 2026

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** NHS staff to provide on-the-spot health support during probation appointments

A new partnership between the NHS and probation services in England will see healthcare staff involved directly in probation appointments for thousands of people under supervision. The pilot, running in four locations, aims to address untreated physical health problems, mental illness and addiction. By offering on-the-spot assessments, help with GP registration and faster referrals into treatment, the scheme is intended to improve health outcomes while easing pressure on emergency services and supporting rehabilitation in the community.

Source: The Guardian, 9 January 2026

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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** International
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** Russian official criticises age-based tobacco restrictions

Russia’s Civic Chamber deputy secretary Vladislav Grib has spoken out against proposals to prohibit tobacco sales for future generations, amid repeated legislative initiatives in the State Duma proposing a generational sales ban on tobacco.

Source: Tobacco Reporter, 8 January 2026
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** Galicia’s youth restrictions on vaping prompt debate on Spain-wide controls

A new regional law in Galicia, north-west Spain, has introduced strict age limits on highly caffeinated energy drinks and all vaping products, making it the first autonomous region in Spain to bar their sale, use and possession by under-18s. The measures place these products under controls similar to those applied to alcohol and tobacco, alongside wider limits on advertising and use near schools and youth facilities. The move has also triggered national discussion about whether comparable rules could be adopted across Spain. Supporters point to growing concern about youth consumption, with studies showing over 40% of Spanish teenagers have tried vaping, while critics raise concerns about the practical changes to age checks and product displays.

Source: Euro Weekly News, 8 January 2026
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** Parliamentary activity
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** Written answers

Asked by Lord Kamall, Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government what response they plan to provide to the comments submitted by EU member states to the Technical Regulation Information System notification detail on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, notification number 2025/7022/XI.

Answered by Baroness Merron, Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, Labour

The Government intends to respond to the European Commission by the 18 February, in line with requirements under the Technical Regulatory Information System (TRIS) procedure. This exchange of opinions and responses is a standard part of the TRIS procedure which is not an approval 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.

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** Asked by Lord Kamall, Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government what data they collect on the annual consumption of handmade cigars.

Answered by Baroness Merron, Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, Labour

Currently there is no agreed definition of what constitutes a handmade cigar, therefore there is no Government data collected on their annual consumption.

However, there is data on cigar usage from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project which is produced every two years. In 2024 in England, of adults aged 18 years old or older who currently smoke or quit in the past two years or who currently use vapes, heated tobacco produces, and/or oral nicotine products, 5.1% reported past 30-day use of cigars.

Additionally, HM Revenue and Customs publishes data on clearances of tobacco products which relates to the amount of tobacco products cleared onto the United Kingdom’s market for sale. This data is published every month.
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** Links of the week
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** The King’s Fund blog- What’s in store for health and care in 2026?

In this blog, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of the King’s Fund, discusses the health milestones in the upcoming year, including legislation such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, and structural changes such as the abolition of NHS England.

Source: The King’s Fund, 8 January 2026
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** NEW ASH report shows major expansion of local stop smoking services

ASH has published the 2025 edition of our annual local tobacco control report series: Breaking new ground. Local authority stop smoking services and wider tobacco control in England, 2025. ([link removed]) This follows the announcement ([link removed]) on the new funding allocations for councils, which includes multi-year public health grant funding for the next 3 years. The report is based on a survey of local authorities in England with responsibility for public health carried out between August and September 2025.

The report shows an unprecedented growth in local stop smoking support across England, with 90% of councils ranking tobacco control as a high or above average priority, and 86% of councils increasing their number of stop-smoking advisors.

Source: Action on Smoking and Health, 18 December 2025

See also: ASH Report - Breaking new ground: Local authority stop smoking services and wider tobacco control in England, 2025 ([link removed])
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** Opinion: Retail can adapt as tobacco regulation tightens

Writing in The Grocer, Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive at Action on Smoking and Health, explains how retailers have little to fear from the UK’s upcoming tobacco regulations. Cheeseman concludes that early engagement with the smokefree generation policy will help retailers remain resilient, while supporting public health and the long-term strength of the high street.

Source: The Grocer, 7 January 2026

See also: ASH -Vapes four times more profitable to convenience stores than tobacco ([link removed]) |Support for stopping the start ([link removed])
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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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