Rising evidence that secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes poses health risks, government says

Vaping in cars carrying anyone under 18 will be banned in England under government plans to reduce the harm caused by smoking and e-cigarettes.

The move is included in the tobacco and vapes bill, which will also outlaw smoking, vaping and using heated tobacco in playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals.

Unions accuse government of acting in bad faith after Wes Streeting announces details of increase

Health unions have criticised the 3.3% pay rise imposed on 1.4 million NHS staff in England as “an insult”, with one threatening to strike over the below-inflation award.

They described the increase announced by Wes Streeting, the health secretary, as a “betrayal” of the frontline workers – including nurses, midwives and porters – who will receive it for 2026-27. The 3.3% is less than inflation, which stood at 3.4% last month, but above the rate of inflation that is expected during the next financial year.