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** 15 January 2026
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** UK
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** Swindon retailers back council drive against illicit tobacco and vapes (#1)
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** Editorial: GPs call for clearer detail on proposed neighbourhood health reforms (#2)
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** Streeting links prevention to wider NHS reform agenda in speech (#3)
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** International
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** MEPs press Commission to explain contacts with tobacco company (#4)
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** British American Tobacco plans job cuts in Belgium (#5)
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** UK
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** Swindon retailers back council drive against illicit tobacco and vapes

A number of shops in Swindon have signed up to a local authority initiative aimed at reducing the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products. Recent participants include two retailers that have joined the campaign by displaying materials highlighting the risks and impacts of the illicit trade.
The initiative focuses on raising public awareness of how illegal products harm legitimate businesses, fund organised crime and expose consumers to unregulated goods.

Swindon Borough Council has also warned that unlawful tobacco and vape products are often sold to underage customers, increasing the risk of addiction among young people. Residents are being encouraged to report concerns anonymously to regional trading standards services.

Source: Talking Retail, 13 January 2026
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** Editorial: GPs call for clearer detail on proposed neighbourhood health reforms

In an editorial published in Pulse, editor Sofia Lind writes that GP leaders attending a recent conference on the Government’s 10-year health plan were left without clear information on what neighbourhood health will mean in practice. She says this lack of detail is creating uncertainty for GP partners, with concerns raised about contractual risk, liability, leadership arrangements and the future of practice premises.

The editorial notes unanswered questions about who will lead neighbourhood teams, the possible influence of hospital trusts, and how existing primary care networks may be affected. It also highlights comments from GP leaders on workforce challenges, including underfunding, difficulties securing substantive posts for newly qualified GPs and the absence of a retention strategy for senior doctors.

Lind reports concerns expressed at the meeting about reforms proceeding without attached funding and the potential impact on continuity of care and GP-patient relationships. She concludes that GPs are being asked to commit to major changes without sufficient practical detail.

Source: Pulse, 14 January 2026
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** Streeting links prevention to wider NHS reform agenda in speech

In a keynote speech at the Institute for Government’s annual conference, health secretary Wes Streeting spoke about the need to reform the NHS and public services in response to rising demand, constrained resources and changing public expectations.

Streeting discussed prevention as part of the wider reform agenda, noting that it is the “most progressive thing we can do”. He pointed to public health measures including the generational smoking ban and healthier food standards, as well as partnerships with industry and the voluntary sector, as examples of how prevention could be delivered beyond policy intervention.

Source: Department of Health and Social Care, 13 January 2026
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** International
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** MEPs press Commission to explain contacts with tobacco company

A group of five MEPs is calling for the European Commission to account for its interactions with Philip Morris International following revelations of repeated meetings between EU trade officials and tobacco lobbyists. Lawmakers are concerned that these contacts may breach international rules designed to limit and make transparent government engagement with the tobacco industry.

Investigative reporting suggests discussions focused on market access for tobacco and nicotine products, with subsequent actions by EU officials that appeared to favour the company. Some meetings were reportedly not publicly declared, raising further concerns as the EU prepares new tobacco and vaping regulations.

The Commission maintains it complies with global tobacco control obligations, but has not confirmed whether trade officials will attend parliamentary questioning if formally invited.

Source: POLITICO, 14 January 2026

See also: EU officials acted to aid tobacco giant abroad, documents show ([link removed]) – POLITICO
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** British American Tobacco plans job cuts in Belgium

British American Tobacco has outlined proposals to cut 51 of its 87 positions in Belgium. The majority of the planned reductions would fall within the commercial division.

BAT says the decision reflects sustained financial pressure driven by stricter tobacco and nicotine regulation, higher excise duties and the expansion of the illegal tobacco market.

Source: Retail Detail, 14 January 2026

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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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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