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Posts from ASH staff and colleagues on tobacco-related topics.

30 March 2026

The Windsor Framework: what does Brexit mean for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Northern Ireland?

In this blog ASH CEO, Hazel Cheeseman, explains that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is compatible with all EU regulation and will apply in Northern Ireland.

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Legal gavel
26 March 2026

Why are UK tobacco sales falling?

Tobacco clearances have halved since 2019. The IEA have pointed to a sharp decline between 2021 and 2025. However, if we take a longer view, we can see that cigarette clearances (which make up the majority of tobacco sales) have fallen consistently since 2015.

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A line graph showing a declining trend
12 March 2026

Dodgy data: How can polls on the same topic give us such different results?

The Generational Smoking ban contained in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has been the subject of multiple polls. ASH polling, conducted by YouGov, shows consistent support across the political spectrum but every now and then a poll comes up that shows the opposite. How are we to know which is the most accurate portrayal of public opinion? 

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04 March 2026

Report Stage for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Day Two – steady progress and strong consensus

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed Report stage in the House of Lords last night (03/03/2026). ASH CEO Hazel Cheeseman shares the key moments.

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Houses of parliament
25 February 2026

Report Stage for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill: What happened!

If you were following the first day of Report stage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords, you’ll know it was a significant moment for public health.

Here’s our round-up of what happened - the wins, the sticking points, and what it all means for the road ahead.

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Houses of parliament
12 February 2026

Celebrating 20 Years Since Parliament Voted to Introduce Indoor Smokefree Legislation

On 14th February 2006 the Commons passed an amendment to Health Bill which created comprehensive smokefree legislation in England. The law passed on free vote, with cross party support and has been hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of this century so far. 

To mark 20 years since the vote we have asked for reflections from those who were MPs at the time and those who campaigned for change. 

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A stack of open books with a legal gavel on top