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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The latest figures from the ONS show that for the first time ever, smoking prevalence in the UK has fallen below 10%. 🎉 The data shows that 4.9 million people in the UK currently smoke (9.8% of the population) following a long-term downward trend in smoking prevalence. 🚭

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Over 1,7k health and education representatives have signed a letter to SoS for Health and Social Care supporting Government proposals on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and nicotine products. View the letter and the full list of signatories here: ash.org.uk/uploads/Open...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Public health, not profits, should drive the regulation of tobacco and nicotine products.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The Vaping Products Duty comes into effect today, meaning a new duty of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid will apply to all products entering the market. You can read more in our blog here: ash.org.uk/media-centre...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

🚨 The Inequalities Dashboard 🚨 Today we have launched the newly updated Inequalities Dashboard, an online tool that shows how smoking contributes to inequalities across England and in your local area. Explore the dashboard here: ash.org.uk/resources/vi...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

🎥Our Public Affairs Lead @helenduffyash.bsky.social explain why it is vital that ALL tobacco products are included in plain packaging rules. 📢 You can make your voice heard by responding to the Government consultation here: shorturl.at/DcCG8 ASH's guide to responding is here: shorturl.at/Qpb8e

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Today is 100 days until the smoke-free generation comes into force on 1st January 2027, and new data from ASH shows that 62% of 11–17-year-olds who have ever smoked say that, if they could go back in time, they would not start smoking. 📆🚭

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The advertisement mischaracterises the Government's proposals and uses ASH's words selectively and in a context in which we believe misrepresents our position. Taken together, we believe these elements create a materially misleading impression both about the Government's policy and our position.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

ASH CE Hazel Cheeseman has written to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regarding advertising by British American Tobacco (BAT). The advertisement relates to the Government's current consultation on the packaging of nicotine pouches, and reproduces a quotation attributed to ASH.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Whilst vapes are an effective smoking cessation tool for adult smokers, they should not be used by children or young people. Yet, they are being displayed in plain view of children, with bright and colourful packaging.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🎥 Watch our Policy and Public Affairs Manager John Waldron give evidence to the London Assembly Health Committee on youth vaping.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Last week the APPG on Smoking & Health and the APPG on Poverty & Inequality hosted a roundtable on smoking and poverty in Parliament. Attendees heard from Gillian & Hannah, experts by lived experience, about the toll that smoking placed on their finances, relationships & health.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

As we move closer to the creation of the 1st smokefree generation, our new smokefree generation communications toolkit, produced alongside @freshsmokefree.bsky.social and @cfex.bsky.social, contains all the resources your organisation needs to communicate about the policy ash.org.uk/resources/vi...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We were pleased to host an event yesterday bringing together 150 colleagues from across the South of England, focusing on how we can work together to implement the upcoming smokefree generation policy, and maximise the opportunity that this presents for public health. Thank you to all our speakers.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

We know smoking causes poverty. So why isn’t it treated like a cost-of-living issue?🚬 In this blog, ASH Senior Policy Officer, Noah Traill explains how smoking contributes to financial hardship & how a smokefree roadmap could eliminate this preventable contributor to the cost-of-living crisis.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A Cochrane review has concluded that vapes are a highly effective way to quit smoking, helping more people to quit than other methods. The review also confirmed that vaping is "substantially" less harmful than smoking. Read the review here: www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10....

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Listen to ASH Public Affairs Lead @helenduffyash.bsky.social explain on LBC Radio why it’s important that cigars are included in the Government’s current proposals to extend plain packaging across all tobacco products. You can listen to the full interview here: www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

There's been media attention today about a review by RCPCH highlighting evidence on vaping & the risks it poses to young people. On BBC Breakfast, ASH Deputy CE Caroline Cerny said young people shouldn't use vapes. However, it's important that vapes are accessible for adult smokers who want to quit.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

We look forward to working with Andrew to accelerate the FCTC's remarkable progress towards ending the harms from tobacco, as Dr Ian Walker says. @cancerresearchuk.org

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

As Dr Charmaine Griffiths highlights, Andrew's experience in public health makes him exceptionally well placed to lead the FCTC at this crucial time for tobacco control. @thebhf.bsky.social

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

ASH, @thebhf.bsky.social and @cancerresearchuk.org welcome the appointment of Andrew Black, former British civil servant, to the role of Head of Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

There's no question the vaping market needs more regulation, but demonising all vape shops is unhelpful and fails to recognise the role they play in helping adults quit smoking. 👇Our full response to the Govt announcement on high streets.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

ASH data shows that in 2026, 75% of young people who are aware of vaping products reported that they had seen promotion for vapes. 👀This is up from 56% in 2022. 📈 The Govt are currently consulting on measures to reduce the appeal of vapes to young people, by restricting their packaging and display.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Watch ASH CE @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social speak on GB News today about the importance of the indoor smoking ban. 📺 Hazel highlighted the popularity of the law and its hugely positive impact on public health - the law prevented 1,200 emergency admissions from heart attacks in its first year alone.🚭

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Congratulations to the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham PM Burnham has been a steadfast supporter of ending the harm from smoking whilst mayor of Greater Manchester Last year he announced that GM had won the Partnership for Healthy Cities Award in recognition of its efforts to reduce smoking rates🏆

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Good news from Australia. Daily smoking rates have fallen to a historic low in Australia. Daily tobacco smoking among those aged 14 and over dropped to 5.6% in 2025, down from 8.3% in 2022-23. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

ASH CE @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social explained on LBC this morning that a rise in people buying illicit tobacco doesn’t mean an increase to the size of the illicit market.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Here's what the Government proposes on vaping and nicotine products 👇

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Last week the Government launched a consultation on the packaging, appearance and display of tobacco and nicotine products. Here’s what the Government proposes on tobacco 👇

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Fantastic to see @dannychambers.bsky.social highlight the huge impact the Tobacco and Vapes Act will have in reducing health inequalities during yesterday's Health Bill Committee session. 🚭

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

We’re pleased to see the Government launch a consultation on new measures to limit the appeal of vapes to children – including marketing, promotion and point-of- sale. But measures to protect children must be balanced with ensuring vapes are accessible to adult smokers as a quit aid.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

ASH, the AHA @aha-uk.bsky.social and the OHA @oha-updates.bsky.social have responded to the Ethics and Integrity Commission’s review into lobbying, disclosure and access to government. The EIC's report is available here: eic.independent-commission.uk/wp-content/u...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

📊 New ASH survey data reveals trends in adult and youth vaping. 📈 New factsheets published today by ASH reveal comprehensive data from our survey conducted by YouGov on vaping trends and behaviour in Britain.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

ASH’s new report ‘Ending smoking inequality: An action plan to reduce poverty and improve health’ has shown that smoking pushes 417,000 UK households into poverty. The report calls on the Govt to publish a smokefree roadmap with clear goals to bring smoking below 1% across all population groups.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Hazel spoke about the purpose of tobacco taxation as a public health measure to reduce smoking rates. She debunked the myth that increasing taxes means an increase in the illicit market by pointing to HMRC data which shows that the illicit market in the UK has decreased by 90% since the year 2000.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Today marks 19 years since indoor smokefree laws were introduced in England, ending smoking in enclosed public places.🚭 Today also marks the 6-month countdown to the introduction of a smokefree generation! 📅 The smokefree generation is expected to protect up to 4 million young people across GB. 🎉

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

This morning ASH Chief Executive @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social gave evidence to the Treasury Select Committee session on tax and duty non-compliance on high streets. Hazel answered questions from committee members on tobacco taxation and the illicit tobacco and vape market.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Smoking in pregnancy has fallen to a record low of 4.2% 🎉 APPG on Smoking & Health Co-Chairs @marykfoymp.bsky.social and Bob Blackman MP recently met Wendy Robinson and her 5-week-old smokefree granddaughter 👶❤️ They have written to the Public Health Minister welcoming this wonderful news.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

New data released today shows a big fall in smoking at time of delivery to 4.2%. 🎉 This success can be attributed to interventions such as stop smoking services in maternity services, preventing ~2k babies from being preterm or low birthweight over 5 yrs. 👇

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

We were privileged to hear from Gillian and Wendy at the APPG on Smoking and Health's reception last week. They both spoke powerfully about how smoking has impacted their lives and families, and why the Tobacco & Vapes Act is important to protect future generations from tobacco addiction.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Hearing Lord Young of Cookham's memories from the APPG's first meeting 50 years ago provided a reminder of how much the APPG has achieved. In 1976, smoking rates were over 40%. Today they are 10.5%. This is a testament to the APPG's cross-party work to champion tobacco control in Parliament. 🚭

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

It was brilliant to celebrate the APPG on Smoking and Health last week, and to recognise the tireless work of this cross-party group of Parliamentarians who have made sure tobacco control has been a central pillar of health policy for the last 50 years. 🚭

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Yesterday afternoon was a fantastic joint celebration of 50 years of the APPG on Smoking and Health plus Royal Assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Act🎉 ASH is proud to provide the secretariat to the APPG on Smoking & Health, and it was wonderful to reflect on five decades of life saving work.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

A fantastic afternoon celebrating 50 years of the APPG on Smoking and Health & royal assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 🎉 It was a privilege to celebrate alongside stakeholders & Parliamentarians who made this legislation a reality and reflect on five decades of work in tobacco control by the APPG

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

📆 One year on from the disposable vapes ban, new data from ASH shows a decline in their use amongst adults and young people. 📉 Additionally, 60% of adult vapers say they reuse their products, but concerningly 18% say that they rarely or never reuse their vapes. ♻️

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

🚭New data released ahead of World No Tobacco day shows that £44.8 billion goes up in smoke each year in England due to smoking. ASH is calling on the Govt to publish a national tobacco control strategy to accelerate progress, including a target of 2 million fewer smokers.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

In a new blog, Dr Ed Beveridge, co-chair of the Mental Health and Smoking Partnership and Presidential Lead for Physical Health at @rcpsych.bsky.social, reflects on the smoking-related inequalities experienced by people with common mental health conditions and why action is needed to close the gap.

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Over 140 health professionals have signed an open letter calling on the Government to develop a national plan to reduce smoking that prioritises action on mental health inequalities. The signatories include leaders from charities & royal colleges, senior clinicians, academics & health professionals🧠

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

ASH and the Mental Health and Smoking Partnership have published a new report highlighting major and persistent inequalities in smoking among people with poor mental health, with smoking rates up to four times higher than in the general population. 🚭🧠 Read here: ash.org.uk/resources/vi...

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Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

📻 Listen to our CE @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social speak on Radio 5 Live this morning about extending smokefree restrictions to pub gardens, as new ASH data shows 62% of the public support this. You can listen to the full interview here (beginning at 1:55): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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