Caroline Cerny
Interested in public health, CDOH, neurodiversity and cats. Fast walker, slow runner.
Deputy CE @ASHUK.org, previous Bite Back, @OHA-updates, CRUK
Views my own or from someone more articulate than me.
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny"At a time of shocking levels of alcohol harm, it is deeply troubling that the alcohol industry was able to exert this kind of influence on a flagship NHS policy." Labour MP @catsmithmp.bsky.social calls for "robust" conflict of interest policies in government to... labourlist.org/2026/02/alco...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyWhat attitudes or beliefs underpin public support for health policies - and what can we learn & apply from support for the Smokefree Gen policy? Our new briefing with @aha-uk.bsky.social & @oha-updates.bsky.social dives into polling to explore this more... ash.org.uk/resources/vi...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyWith just under a year to go until the smokefree generation takes effect, ASH CEO @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social has written to retailers to discuss what the policy means for businesses and highlight the long-term benefits of the policy for retailers and for children’s health.
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny"Cigars have emerged as an unlikely focal point in debates as the bill passes through the House of Lords." ASH Public Affairs Lead, @helenduffyash.bsky.social spoke to the Times about how all tobacco is harmful & how cigar lounges expose staff to second-hand smoke. www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny“‘Let's make it so that the only place future generations will find a cigarette is in the history books.” 👏 ASH was delighted to welcome Baroness Merron to our AGM yesterday. Her vision for a smoke-free future is inspiring and one we’re determined to achieve together.
- Reposted by Caroline CernyThe European parliament voted to ban calling plant-based food veggie “burgers” or “sausages” last month 🙄 This will NOT stop the growth of veganism! 🌱 ✊
- I’m a big Julia Donaldson fan, but I’m glad they cut the cigar. Little kids don’t catch the “negative message” - they just see someone smoking. Better to keep that out of children's TV. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
- Reposted by Caroline Cernywww.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-react... These figures vindicate UK tobacco policy over the past 15 years, with the transition to vaping leading to unprecedented reductions in smoking prevalence, especially among young people Now apply the same methods to alcohol, obesity, gambling Overdue!!
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny👏 Peers meet today for the first Committee session on the Tobacco & Vapes Bill (finally!) ASH analysis shows around ~120,000 young people (18–24) have started smoking since the Bill was first introduced last November. 🚭 It's time to act. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyHow have big businesses used tried & tested lobbying tactics to attempt to derail public health policy? 🚬 Tobacco industry moves to derail the Tobacco & Vapes Bill 🍷 Alcohol lobbyists watering down government ambition 🍔 Junk food giants delaying the ad ban Find out...👇
- Reposted by Caroline CernyDr Chris Van Tulleken shares what most people don’t know about cigarette filters! 🌍🚭
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny✨ ASH is proud to provide the secretariat to the APPG and to help drive this vital campaign forward. Together, we can end the filter fraud and protect our planet. 💪🌏
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny“Licensing exists to protect people, not business profits. To push this through while alcohol deaths are at record highs raises serious questions about who this government is really working for.” Today in @theguardian.com we discuss gov plans to review licensing👇 www.theguardian.com/business/202...
- 💯this
- This is a company that makes and sells a product that kills its customers. Why on earth the BBC is giving it free PR is beyond me.
- Reposted by Caroline CernyAutism should not be seen as single condition with one cause, say scientists
- Reposted by Caroline CernyLabour considering charging workers for employment tribunal claims, sources say
- Reposted by Caroline CernySome good news. London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces. The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
- Despite being a teenager in the late 90s I never managed to see Oasis live. So it was a total joy to share my first live gig with my own teen mega-fan (who knew more of the words than me!) 🫶
- Reposted by Caroline CernyFirst 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.
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny🚨 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.
- Reposted by Caroline CernyAs influencers spread ‘toxic’ claims, what is the truth about sunscreen?
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny[This post could not be retrieved]
- 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 🤷♀️
- Reposted by Caroline CernyToday 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 👇
- Reposted by Caroline CernyIncredibly 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 🍷🍺
- Alcohol advertising bans have been dropped from the 10-Year Plan under pressure from the industry, @thetimes.com reports. Jem Roberts of IAS said: “One of the main goals of the ten-year health plan was to ‘shift from treatment to prevention’ - yet if...(1/3) www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
- 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.
- "Seeing this message effectively silenced is a stark reminder of the powerful forces we’re up against when it comes to protecting children’s health" @biteback2030.bsky.social #CommercialBreak campaign tackling junk food ads refused by two of the UK's biggest outdoor ad companies
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny📢 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-...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyOur 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 🚭🍕🍷
- We are off to the World Conference on Tobacco Control #WCTC2025 from 23 June. Deputy CE @carolinecerny.bsky.social will be talking about our cross risk factor work at a symposium on tobacco control as an accelerator on NCDs. 👇 wctc2025.abstractserver.com/program/#/de...
- 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. 🎉
- HUGE breaking news we’re excited to share! 🥳 👏 The government is expanding #FreeSchoolMeals to all children in households on Universal Credit. What a difference this will make: hundreds of thousands of children will now get a nutritious lunch each day to help them learn and thrive 👇 bit.ly/4mJYEYG
- Reposted by Caroline CernyIn 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. 💷
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny"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...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyChildren 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...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyDisappointing 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...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyIf 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
- “UK ministers are set to delay the implementation of rules that would ban unhealthy food advertising before 9pm in order to change guidance to allow brand marketing following heavy lobbying from the industry.” Industry = 1 ; Kids’ health = 0 🫠 www.ft.com/content/a4a5...
- 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...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyWith 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
- Reposted by Caroline CernyAlways 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
- Reposted by Caroline CernyIn 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
- We were reading articles where marketers openly discussed investing in brand ads as a way to circumvent new regs. That burger chain had recently run a mega successful ad campaign ('Raise Your Arches') without showing a single burger... and other food giants we following suit 🍔🐔🍫
- As usual, food giants are following the tobacco industry's lead. While TV cigarette ads were banned in 1965, brand ads remained. As a 90s child I was entranced by the purple silk billboards. No surprise then that Silk Cut were my brand of choice when I started experimenting with smoking as a teen. 🚬
-
View full threadWe certainly haven't solved the problem, but hopefully our work has set out some potential ways forward as we face the next challenge.
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny🚨 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/...
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny[This post could not be retrieved]
- Reposted by Caroline Cernywww.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
- Reposted by Caroline CernyWorth 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...
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny🚨 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-...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyIt 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.🚭
- Reposted by Caroline CernyTobacco 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 👇
- Reposted by Caroline CernyIn 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...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyThe 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
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny"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...
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny🚭 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
- Reposted by Caroline CernyULEZ 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.
- Reposted by Caroline CernyWe'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.
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny📣📣📣 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
- Reposted by Caroline CernyFor 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
- Reposted by Caroline CernyVaping 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...
- Reposted by Caroline CernyRoses are red - and just for clarity - DON'T-get-your-science-or-health-information-from-an industry-funded-'charity'
- Great article by the @bmj.com investigations team, exposing the playbook tactics used by McDonald's to challenge attempts to restrict planning permission... "We sell salads/ we'll build a climbing frame/ obesity is complex!" 🤞new NPPF will make it easier for LAs to take on fast food giants.
- McDonald's is overturning council attempts to prevent new fast food outlets by claiming they will encourage healthier lifestyles, reveals a BMJ investigation. It shows the firm has won planning appeals in some of the most deprived areas of England www.bmj.com/content/388/...
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny"There should not be any advertising for products containing tobacco. The tobacco industry pushes up against the law. It’s looking for loopholes and ways to promote its products." @ashorguk.bsky.social CE @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social on BBC Breakfast discussing promotion of heated tobacco. 1/3
- As Dry January wraps up, let’s talk about PepsiCo’s latest cynical marketing stunt. With 74% of their 2022 UK sales coming from unhealthy products, they spent the month urging people to swap alcohol for… a “pint of crisps.” www.linkedin.com/posts/caroli...
- Reposted by Caroline Cerny🆕 Gov’t has responded to the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity report ✍ They acknowledge reducing obesity 'will require reshaping the food environment that has caused the rise in obesity.' 😪 Unacceptably, the response fails to accept any of the new recommendations www.gov.uk/government/p...
