Read articles from United Kingdom
November 26, 2024 by 2firsts.com
UK Parliament to Vote on Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The UK will pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to ban vape advertising, restrict flavors enticing to children, and allocate funds for a smoke-free future, aiming to curb teenage addiction. The bill includes measures to ban e-cigarette promotions, vending machine sales, and regulate packaging and flavors. The government plans to provide £70 million for smoking cessation services and £10 million to combat illegal trade. Health officials emphasize the urgent need to address rising youth vaping rates and the dangers of addiction. The NHS supports the legislation to combat smoking-related health issues and looks forward to a smoke-free future through initiatives like a new quit-smoking aid.
November 26, 2024 by theguardian.com
Smoking could cause 300,000 cancer cases in UK by 2029, study finds
The UK is aiming to eradicate smoking with a bill proposing to raise the legal smoking age gradually to prevent tobacco-related cancers. MPs are urged to support the bill as Cancer Research UK highlights the alarming impact of smoking and the thousands of preventable cancer cases. The bill also targets vaping restrictions to curb appeal to youth. Statistics show the urgent need for action, with thousands of cancer cases attributed to smoking daily. Passing this bill could save lives and reduce healthcare strain. The public health initiative is crucial in combatting tobacco addiction and improving overall well-being, with potential significant health benefits for future generations.
November 26, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Survey Highlights Ban Impact
The UK will ban disposable vapes from June 2025, sparking concerns of a growing black market. Vape Superstore's survey reveals that many vapers will stock up before the ban, and some may turn to the black market or return to smoking. The Government justifies the ban to protect youth, but it may push adults back to smoking. Encouraging the shift to refillable vapes can help mitigate negative impacts. Additionally, there are worries about a potential ban on sweet e-liquid flavors. Vape Superstore aims to guide vapers towards sustainable options like refillable vapes. Overall, the ban's impact on adult vapers and the vaping market remains uncertain.
November 22, 2024 by glasgowlive.co.uk
Call for cigarettes and alcohol tax on supermarkets as plea made to Scottish Government
Health groups in Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to implement a new tax on supermarkets selling alcohol and tobacco. The tax aims to raise funds for treatment and reduce health risks associated with these products. The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Scotland proposes a "public health supplement" on retailers, highlighting the significant costs to the economy and healthcare system. This measure could generate around £60 million annually. Advocates emphasize the need for industry accountability, supporting programs for healthier communities and early disease detection. Retailers oppose additional taxes, citing existing financial burdens. The Scottish Government is considering the proposal ahead of the Budget announcement.
November 21, 2024 by statnews.com
After youth vaping surge, the U.K. moves to ban disposable e-cigarettes
The U.K. is set to ban disposable e-cigarettes to curb youth vaping and create a "smoke-free U.K." Disposable vapes are blamed for attracting young users with colorful flavors. Refillable vapes will still be sold. While the U.K. promotes e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking, experts caution about potential health risks and addiction. The government also aims to reduce environmental impact, as millions of single-use vapes are discarded weekly. Critics warn against hindering access to vaping for adult smokers while tackling youth usage. In contrast to the U.K., the U.S. has seen a decline in youth vaping through campaigns and flavor bans, with the FDA approving certain e-cigarette products for smoking cessation.
November 20, 2024 by bmj.com
Conflicts of interest: moving towards zero tolerance
Chris van Tulleken, Nigel Rollins, and Rebecca Coombes highlight the influence of industries on public health. Industries manipulate academia and health systems, hindering efforts to address health crises like smoking and unhealthy diets. The World Health Organization identifies these industries as commercial determinants of health, impacting people's well-being. Conflicts of interest among professionals and institutions, influenced by companies in sectors like food, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco, must be addressed. Transparency and measures to mitigate biases are crucial in protecting public health. Collaborative efforts from governments, health authorities, and educators are needed to prioritize public health over corporate interests.
November 20, 2024 by filtermag.org
Why Is England Missing Its “Smoke Free” Target?
England is expected to miss its 2030 "smoke free" target by almost a decade, with Cancer Research UK predicting a 2039 achievement if current trends continue. The UK's smoking rates have declined, but England's progress is insufficient. Sweden and New Zealand are ahead due to successful tobacco alternatives. Government actions, such as banning disposable vapes and taxing vape products, may hinder efforts to reduce smoking rates. Critics argue that negative messaging around vaping contributes to the problem. CRUK supports legislation that opponents believe will impede smokers from transitioning to safer alternatives. The goal of a smoke-free UK by 2030 appears increasingly unlikely.
November 20, 2024 by theconversation.com
Stop-smoking pill varenicline to be offered on NHS – what you need to know
Varenicline, a highly effective smoking cessation pill, is back on the NHS after being withdrawn in 2021 due to impurities. A new version has been approved and can double or triple the chances of quitting compared to other methods. Varenicline works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is estimated to help over 85,000 people quit smoking annually in the UK, potentially preventing 9,500 smoking-related deaths. While it can have side-effects like nausea, varenicline's benefits in improving public health make it a valuable tool in reducing smoking-related risks. Combining quitting aids with counselling enhances success rates. Support for quitting is available at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/.
November 19, 2024 by independent.co.uk
Vape sales spike for Rizla and Golden Virginia maker Imperial Brands
Imperial Brands saw a 26% surge in e-cigarette sales, reaching £8.2 billion revenue with growing popularity of vape products like Blu. Traditional cigarettes still dominate sales despite a decrease in smokers. Their next generation products (NGPs) division showed a 43% decrease in losses. The company expects slow growth in tobacco and NGP revenue for the upcoming year. The rise in vaping helped boost overall operating profit by 4.6%. Despite increasing anti-smoking regulations and taxes worldwide, Imperial Brands aims to challenge the industry with its vape products. Analysts predict a positive outlook, but acknowledge vaping remains a loss-making sector for now.
November 14, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Experts’ Bill Response
Leading independent researchers at UK universities has expressed their opinions about the implications of the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Professor Sean Semple at the University of Stirling, the University of East Anglia’s Professor Caitlin Notley, Professors Jamie Brown and Lion Shahab at University College London, and King’s College London’s Professor Ann McNeill have all responded to the changes to vape legislation.