Overview

• The UCL/King’s study of 2,770 11–18-year-olds and nearly 4,000 adults found youth interest fell from 53% for branded packs to 38% for standardised designs.
• Adult interest and perceived relative harm remained largely unchanged whether packs were branded or plain.
• Researchers tested usual branding, a plain white pack, a version with limited flavour descriptors, and a standardised option using flavour codes such as “FR248.”
• With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill before the House of Lords, ministers would gain powers to regulate flavours, packaging and display, a step public health groups are urging Parliament to complete.
• The prime minister is expected to outline planning reforms to let communities curb new vaping and gambling shops on high streets.