First Farage platformed notorious UK anti-vaxxer, Aseem Malhotra, who insinuated that Covid vaccines caused the Royal Family’s recent cancers. Now he’s openly trashing scientific method & evidence, pretending neither can be trusted & facts are a free for all. This is deeply dangerous populism.

In a masterstroke of misogyny, this move not only blames Mums (again - echos of 'refrigerator mothers'), but also will scare pregnant women from using pain relief during pregnancy.

🚨 In a powerful opinion piece in @bmj.com, health leaders from @bma.org.uk, @rcphysicians.bsky.social, @rcn.org.uk, @rcpsych.bsky.social & @rcm.org.uk have sounded the alarm over the threat of cuts to NHS tobacco dependence treatment services.

As influencers spread ‘toxic’ claims, what is the truth about sunscreen?

Policy incoherence in public health really bugs me. And this pub menu is a prime example. Alcohol is high in calories, but kcals are only listed for the non-alcoholic drinks 🤷‍♀️

Today we published new estimates on adult and youth vaping in GB. Media interest has been limited. Has the media stopped caring about vaping? Or is something else going on? 🤔 ash.org.uk/media-centre...

Very sensible take on the prevention chapter of the 10yr plan 👇

Incredibly disappointing news, if true. Industry tactics disrupting health policy making once again. Jem Roberts of @ias.org.uk said alcohol giants will be "rubbing their hands with glee", and called for Ministers to "stand up" and "protect the most vulnerable". www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...

I had such high hopes that this would be the Govt that would finally follow the evidence and get a grip on the causes of illness. It's totally gutting to see them go the same way as previous govts and capitulate to industry lobbying 🍷🍺

Tobacco, alcohol & junk food are responsible for a massive burden of disease. It was fascinating to work on this briefing looking at the overlap in the population, associations (e.g. smoking more when drinking), health impact and policy implications.

It's hard to imagine that smoking inside cafes, restaurants and other inside spaces was ever OK. So happy 18th birthday to smokefree 🎉

A chilling reminder of the powerful tentacles of Big Food. And yet another reason why we need national policy to restrict junk food ads in outdoor spaces.

📢 New report: UK alcohol industry groups spent 2024 misleading the public on harm, the economy, environment, and policy. We analysed 140+ industry documents and found a strategy of cherry-picking evidence, overstating economic value, and downplaying health harms. ➡️ www.ias.org.uk/report/spin-...

Our new data showing a surge in awareness of nicotine pouches amongst children has been featured in today’s media. We’re calling for Govt to prioritise the Tobacco & Vapes Bill to protect children. Nearly 4% of teens have used nicotine pouches equivalent to 210k children. 1/3

📈Our new data shows a worrying rise in children's awareness of nicotine pouches in the last year - likely to due to heavy marketing, including free giveaways. Right now these products can be sold to anyone, incl children. Time for T&V Bill ⌛ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Finally a Brexit benefit. Particularly pleased to see Judges dismiss the SEN argument, highlighting the struggles >1m kids with SEN in state schools already face. Exactly why we need more funding for state schools.

Looking forward to taking part in this event at #WCTC2025. There's a lot of learning on tobacco control that can be applied to other NCD risk factor approaches 🚭🍕🍷

Great news and a testament to all the fantastic campaigners who have been working tirelessly to make the case for expanding access to FSM over the years. 🎉

In his latest blog with @ias.org.uk , SMF Researcher Barney Dowling makes the case for introducing Minimum Unit Pricing in England - and taxing the windfall to shore up the nations' finances. 💷

"Junk food manufacturers are pressuring the government to adopt junk health policy, and the price will be paid in the public’s health." my @thesoilassociation.bsky.social comment on the latest DHSC U-turn www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Children continue to be exposed to junk food marketing, despite strong evidence of its impact on health. Delays to HFSS ad restrictions risk weakening efforts to create healthier food environments and reduce diet-related harm. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Disappointing delay to junk food advertising ban. "One of the key ways to reduce illness and death caused by harmful products is to introduce tighter restrictions on advertising those products." 👀Read our response➡️ bit.ly/43sGVfw

Urghhh. After the all promises about "the healthiest generation of children ever" & mission led govt, it turns out this govt capitulates to industry lobbying.... Just like the last one. A win for the industry playbook. Lose for health. www.ft.com/content/a4a5...

If FT are right about this announcement it will be yet another example of ambitious public health policy being announced and then quietly watered down before implementation

Well here's some good news for once... the higher we rank on this index, the more effective policies to improve health we have in place. Which as multiple different surveys show, is very much wanted by the public. www.express.co.uk/news/politic...

With rising levels of mental distress, global conflict and climate change, we need communities more than ever. As we kick off #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, @andybell-centremh.bsky.social considers the power of communities to help us thrive, fight injustice and heal wounds: tinyurl.com/43ukupcj #MHAW

Always curious to see who sponsors @politico.com London Playbook dispatches according to what is politically salient, usually used to slip tailored messages to political audiences. This one is that they are global & local, economically important & helping British people to reduce sugar consumption 🤔

Death by revision

In what world would anyone ‘recommend’ any type of alcohol to reduce the risk of one disease knowing it would simultaneously increase the risk of others (like cancer). It’s like tobacco in the 1920s again. A dangerous inference that will be irresponsibly repeated over & over.

How do you solve a problem like brand advertising...? Last year @emmaboyland.bsky.social & I had a discussion over breakfast* where we discussed our concerns about the rapidly emerging loophole of food brand ads and lack of a policy approach to address it... *Can confirm no crumpets were consumed

🚨 Breaking News: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has passed its Second Reading in @ukhouseoflords.bsky.social! 🚨 This marks another hugely important step towards ending cancers caused by smoking. Please share to show your support for a #SmokefreeUK 🔁

Prevention is key, but the UK is falling behind. In @bmj.com, Zoe Rostas & Adam Briggs from @healthfoundation.bsky.social call for bold govt action to tackle alcohol and unhealthy food, not just tobacco, to improve health and boost prosperity. 🔗 www.bmj.com/content/389/...

www.theguardian.com/environment/... Shocked I am, shocked PR campaign may have fuelled food study backlash, leaked document shows A recommended shift to more plant-based, climate-friendly diet but was extensively attacked online

Worth a watch for the Forest spokesman alone who could be talking about today's debate to ban smoking in outdoor hospitality. Playbook hasn't changed in nearly 40 years...

🚨 We’re hiring! Are you a sharp communicator and storyteller? Join our ambitious team to help shape the tobacco and vaping narrative in Westminster, the NHS & local gov at a critical moment. 🔗 charityjob.co.uk/jobs/action-...

It looks more likely than ever that Rachel Reeves will return to the Commons to propose tax rises in her Budget later in the year. In our latest blogpost, Mark Lloyd of the @thersaorg.bsky.social sets out the case for increased levies on big tobacco that could provide her with significant funds.🚭

Tobacco companies rake in millions from addiction, illness, and loss. MPs say it’s time they paid for the damage. 📖Read the latest report from the APPG on Smoking and Health, which calls for a polluter pays levy to fund a smokefree country. ash.org.uk/resources/vi...

Alcohol is a significant but overlooked part of our diets -empty calories with big health impacts. Thanks to evidence from Scotland we know MUP ⬇️ consumption. It's one policy with co-benefits for alcohol harm and obesity. Thanks @nestauk.bsky.social for new research & blog 👇

In the US a drop-off in drinking alcohol is worrying investors, as moderation trends and calls for warning labels grow. The CEO of Diageo said that moderate drinking was the industry's 'biggest disrupter'. Industry profits rely on drinking above the low-risk guidelines. www.ft.com/content/c43c...

The UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill presents a threat to the profits of the tobacco and nicotine industries. Our analysis of official responses to the Bill from these industries and linked organisations calls into question claims #BigTobacco has transformed. Read here: doi.org/10.1136/tc-2... #policy

"We’ve barely heard anything about the broader Health mission" from government, says CEO of @thekingsfund.bsky.social Sarah Woolnough, and that there is too much focus on NHS services She lays out 6 things the govt needs to do to get on track: 1. Be clearer &... www.hsj.co.uk/service-rede...

🚭 Stopping smoking reduces the risk of 50+ illnesses and conditions. 💡 Need support? People who use stop smoking services are 3x more likely to quit for good. This #NoSmokingDay, take the first step - find free support near you: www.nhs.uk/better-healt... #NSD2025

ULEZ works. It’s that simple. Expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but the latest figures show that it was the right one for the health of millions of Londoners.

We're at the @scahconference.bsky.social in York today! @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social discusses what it will take to end smoking in the UK – backing the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, strengthening local & regional strategies, and pushing for a levy to curb tobacco profits.

📣📣📣 Calling on the #publichealth community on BlueSky to share this far and wide! @profkevinfenton.bsky.social @felly500.bsky.social @adphuk.bsky.social @benwealthy.bsky.social @stevensenior.bsky.social @jimmcmanusph.bsky.social

For 20 years, the WHO FCTC has been a powerful force in reducing smoking and saving lives. As an early signatory, the UK has seen record declines in smoking since its adoption. We remain committed to protecting health from tobacco industry interference. #FCTC20Years

Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but the long-term risks are unclear. We welcome new research to explore youth vaping and its impacts. We don’t need to wait for this research to act – the T&V Bill will protect children and ensure safer options for smokers quitting. www.gov.uk/government/n...

Roses are red - and just for clarity - DON'T-get-your-science-or-health-information-from-an industry-funded-'charity'