A new enforcement approach between National Trading Standards (NTS), local authority Trading Standards, Scottish Trading Standards Services and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has led to more than £1.4 million in civil penalties being issued to retailers and individuals involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.

The £1 million milestone, reached in late November 2025, had risen to £1.4 million by early January 2026. It comes as enforcement activity against illegal sellers continues to grow, with the strengthened partnership between NTS and HMRC speeding up investigations and delivering tougher sanctions for those supplying or selling illegal tobacco products.

The stronger powers, which came into force in July 2023, enable local authority Trading Standards officers to make direct referrals to HMRC. HMRC can then investigate and issue civil sanctions, including penalties of up to £10,000. This has led to unprecedented sanctions, which escalate for persistent offenders, since the referral approach began in October 2023.

Retailers who sell illicit tobacco risk being removed from the Tobacco Track and Trace (TT&T) system which is required to be part of the legitimate UK tobacco market.

The enforcement approach is part of Operation CeCe, a joint UK-wide initiative between HMRC and Trading Standards to target the illicit tobacco trade. Since it began in January 2021, the operation has removed more than 74 million illicit cigarettes, 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale.

Lord Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

“Illegal tobacco harms communities, undermines legitimate retailers and fuels wider criminal activity. The vast majority of retailers play by the rules. These sanctions demonstrate that we are taking decisive action against those who don’t.

“We urge anyone tempted to sell illegal tobacco to think again. The organised criminals supplying you don’t care about your community, your business or your safety – and you’re funding their wider criminal exploits as well as risking tougher penalties by selling their products.”

Alexandra Connell, Chair of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) said:

“Scottish Trading Standards Services welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues at NTS and HMRC in the ongoing, targeted effort against the supply of illegal tobacco products in our communities. We know full well of the detrimental impact this illicit trade has on legitimate businesses, and the amounts of money this raises for organised crime.

“We have rapidly adopted the Sanction regime which sits alongside our existing powers to report those involved with the associated criminality to the Crown. Since the inception of the Sanctions regime, our colleagues in local authority teams have submitted almost 250 referrals to HMRC to consider.

“We will continue to do so as we appreciate that this is an effective and efficient means of denying organised criminals any profits gained through their abuse of the tax system.”

Rachel Nixon, HMRC Director Indirect Tax, said:

“These tougher enforcement sanctions strengthen HMRC’s ability to hit illicit tobacco sellers’ pockets with penalties of up to £10,000, which harms the wider criminal supply chain.

“Successful collaboration with Trading Standards continues to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco, which is estimated to cost the UK around £1.8 billion each year in lost tax revenue, undercutting retail businesses and funding crime across our communities.

“We encourage anyone with information about the smuggling, sale or supply of illicit tobacco to report it online.”

The clampdown aims to protect honest businesses by targeting the criminal networks and opportunistic sellers who profit from illegal tobacco, often at the expense of local communities and legitimate trade.

Retailers are being encouraged to check that their own tobacco sales processes meet legal requirements and to report any concerns about illegal sales in their area.

Report anonymously to HMRC by searching ‘report fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK
Or contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133
In Scotland contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000

East London Waste Authority (ELWA) is inviting local artists, makers, and creative organisations to submit proposals for a bold, engaging, and educational public installation. The aim of the installation will be to ‘power up’ East London residents and encourage them to recycle their small electricals and batteries at dedicated recycling points, and never put them in any bin at home.

Lithium-ion batteries hidden inside small electrical devices, such as vapes, ear pods, e-scooters, or children’s toys, can set fire when compacted in waste collection vehicles and facilities. These kinds of fires have been increasing nationwide, prompting an urgent need for more awareness of the issue amongst the public.

The selected designer will be commissioned by ELWA to create an eye-catching installation, which will tour the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge in 2026.

The new initiative sees ELWA join forces with Recycle Your Electricals ’ “Stop Battery Fires” campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of incorrectly disposing of electricals and hidden lithium-ion batteries. This follows the success of ELWA’s Battery Recycling Roadshow campaign in February 2025, which saw over 1000 people interacting with the engagement team at busy venues across East London.

Artists and creators interested in finding out more about the brief should visit www.eastlondonwaste.gov.uk/batteries. The installation should stand out from the crowd, spark curiosity, and deliver a clear message about electrical recycling.

Interested applicants must submit their proposal by 9am on Monday 9th February 2026. Delivery will be required by June 2026. Email any questions to campaigns@eastlondonwaste.gov.uk

Councillor Miraj Patel, Chair of ELWA said “Battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites remain a challenge across all local authorities. There were 229 fires in ELWA’s waste facilities last year, a 57% increase over the previous year. These fires cost the waste industry millions of pounds each year, but also pose a significant risk to frontline staff collecting and treating waste.

The public can play a really important role in helping stamp out this issue by disposing of batteries and electrical items correctly. We want to use art to engage and shift recycling habits in communities across East London, and I’m really excited to see what our brilliant creative community can come up with.”

Scott Butler, Executive Director, Material Focus, the non-profit leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign said: “With more and more products containing lithium-ion batteries, and battery fires on the rise, it’s vital that we stop these fires and reduce the air pollution impact that they have on our local communities and the dangers they present to fire fighters and waste officers. This project is a fantastic way to make sure that everyone knows to never bin and always recycle their electricals and their batteries. Just search recycle your electricals to find your nearest drop off point.”

More than 20 million UK adults have signed up to a subscription without realising it, and of these, 4.7 million are STILL paying for a subscription they didn’t ask for, according to new figures released today by National Trading Standards. The data reveal the widespread impact of so-called ‘silent scams’ that involve low value but high-volume thefts.

Silent scams can include ‘subscription traps’, where consumers are automatically signed up to regular payments after making a single purchase or agreeing to a free trial, as well as one-off purchases based on misleading information where the item is of poor quality and not as expected. Due to their relatively low value, these payments often go unnoticed, unchallenged and unreported.

The research also reveals that UK consumers would need to have an average of £143 stolen before they would even consider reporting a scam – a threshold that lots of criminals are exploiting. Nearly one in five (18%) scam victims who didn’t report the crime said the amount stolen was too small to be worth reporting.

The silent scam epidemic in numbers:

38% of people have signed up to a subscription without realising it
Of these, nearly a quarter (23%) are still unknowingly paying for these subscriptions
17% didn’t realise quickly money was leaving their account, and 8% took over three months to notice
44% have ordered an item online that turned out to be poor quality or a fake.

Whilst the profits from criminal tactics like ‘subscription traps’ may seem small individually, together they represent a large and growing threat to UK consumer confidence and people’s personal finances.

Louise Baxter, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team, said:

“Criminals are draining UK bank accounts one small payment at a time. These ‘silent scams’ are stealing millions from UK households every year, often without victims even knowing. It might be a subscription you never agreed to or a product that wasn’t what it seemed. But these crimes are just as serious and just as damaging. We’re urging everyone to check their bank statements regularly and report all scams, no matter the amount. If we stay silent, the criminals win.”

NTS has launched a free app that will make it easier for people to protect themselves using their phone. The app includes scam alerts, practical prevention tips, clear advice on what to do if targeted and signposts to trusted sources of help. People will also have free access to NTS’ scam-fighting training on their phone, helping people to protect themselves and their loved ones. To download the app, visit https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

As millions prepare to drive home for Christmas, National Trading Standards is urging motorists to ensure they pay road tolls only on official websites, as new research* finds that a third of Brits risk landing on copycat sites that charge over the odds – and 17% of those who believed they’d paid for government services online were fined for non-payment.

The warning comes after two men who operated more than 40 misleading copycat websites that generated over £2.25m in revenue, were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court following an investigation led by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team**. Their fraudulent sites mimicked official government services, targeting people paying essential charges such as the Dartford Crossing, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and the Mersey Gateway Bridge. Through misleading URLs and prominent search-engine adverts, the criminals tricked thousands of drivers into thinking they were using official payment pages.

Victims were routinely charged inflated fees – for example, £7.50 instead of the (then) official £2.50 Dartford Crossing charge. In many cases the criminals pocketed the difference but often, payments wouldn’t be passed on to the official body at all and many customers received penalty charge notices for unpaid tolls.

As the festive season gets underway, National Trading Standards is warning that copycat websites are still a problem, and its research found that by using search engines, social media or clicking on an ad to find government services, more than a third (34%) of Brits are at high risk of being caught out this Christmas.

Of those who’ve applied for government services online, more than a quarter (26%) have paid a handling charge – which are not needed if you pay the government body directly – one in 5 have paid more than they expected to for the service and 17% have been fined for non-payment.

Mike Andrews, Head of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said:
“Victims in this case were ordinary people trying to do the right thing before making their journeys. Many were left frustrated and out of pocket, often only realising they’d been misled after receiving a fine.

“Copycat sites remain a problem and it’s clear from our research that huge numbers of people are paying more than they need to for straightforward services. With so many of us driving long distances over Christmas – often late at night, stressed or in a hurry – it’s easy to click the first link you see. We’re urging motorists to take a moment to check they’re on the official website when paying tolls or emission charges. The easiest way is to go to the road toll page at GOV.UK and search from there.”

A National Highways spokesperson said:
“If you’re travelling this Christmas and need to pay for the Dartford Crossing, always use the official GOV.UK site.

“It’s the safest way to avoid extra charges or penalty charges. Too many people have been caught out by unofficial sites, which can charge more or leave your crossing unpaid – leading to unnecessary penalty charges.

“Please stay vigilant and check carefully before you pay.”

Shashi Verma, TfL’s Director of Technology Strategy and Revenue, said:
“With the festive season in full swing, we’re reminding drivers to pay road user charges only through official channels and avoid a nasty surprise over the holiday period. The easiest way to ensure charges are paid correctly is to set up TfL’s free-to-use Auto Pay service, which automatically takes payment from your account. Signing up in advance means peace of mind and greater convenience for anyone needing to pay Congestion Charge, for the ULEZ or for driving through the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels. If you have been targeted by a scam, please notify us and report it. We work closely with National Trading Standards to tackle scammers who rip off honest motorists and push for the strongest possible action to be taken.”

Anyone who believes they may have used a fraudulent site should contact their bank immediately and report the issue to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Sentences handed down on 31 October

Thomas William Gall (42) was jailed for 2 years 3 months and disqualified from acting as a company director for 10 years.
Shezad Parvez (46) received a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, alongside 200 hours of unpaid work, up to 20 rehabilitation activity days, and a six-year director disqualification.

UK shoppers have bought almost 100 million items on the back of glowing online reviews – only to be bitterly disappointed when they arrive, and 6.4 million have lost money to a scam after buying something from clicking on a fake online advert, according to new data released by National Trading Standards (NTS) ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The research found that reviews are a deciding factor for 54% of online shoppers surveyed when choosing what to buy (73% for 25-34s). And almost two thirds (65%) of those using online reviews are more likely to buy a product if it has a five-star rating – highlighting our trust in reviews, many of which are fuelling criminal networks selling poor quality or non-existent goods for easy money.

NTS is warning how criminals use paid individuals, bots and now artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fake reviews on a mass scale – sometimes even entire websites. Consumers will either receive nothing, or they’ll get a bad quality item or a counterfeit of the brand they were expecting.  

The research also found that 14% of respondents who shop online have been scammed after buying something from clicking on an advert on search engines or social media. With only 52% of online shoppers confident they could spot a fake or misleading ad, NTS is reminding UK consumers to be vigilant against the annual Black Friday boom in scam adverts designed to lure customers in with glossy graphics and tempting offers.

This year, a new threat has emerged, with two thirds of online shoppers worried about the use of AI in scams. Not only are fake reviews being posted on legitimate sites using AI, criminals are generating entire fake review websites. These are usually linked to specific high demand products such as air fryers or home vacuums, where generic versions are heralded as being better than the big brands – leaving consumers out of pocket, and sorely disappointed. 

As criminal tactics evolve, NTS is also now regularly taking down AI-generated retail websites that look like real, family-run companies selling premium, UK-made products, such as jewellery, clothing, shoes, workwear and even patriotic memorabilia. These are often fronted by AI images and personal stories of the ‘owners’. The product shipped is cheap, mass produced in countries such as China. Sometimes customers’ own details are then used on the sites’ contact pages, meaning they receive irate calls and messages from other customers.   

To help tackle the criminals and keep consumers safe, NTS is today announcing its appointment as a ‘trusted flagger’ for Google. This status means NTS can work swiftly with the tech giant to take down fake reviews and fake and misleading ads.   

Mike Andrews, head of the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said:  

“It’s easy to get drawn in by the hype surrounding Black Friday, and it can be a great time to get a bargain, but we urge people not to let their guard down. From now until Christmas the criminals will be making a killing with scams that are becoming ever more audacious thanks to the emergence of AI.  

“Our teams will be working tirelessly to remove fake retail content, but we also ask shoppers to remain alert. They should look wider than reviews and star ratings, avoid buying through ads and treat unknown websites with caution. If people suspect they have been scammed they should report it to Action Fraud or Citizen’s Advice.” 

On the new partnership with Google, Mike Andrews said:  

“Fake reviews and fake and misleading adverts harm honest businesses of all sizes and cause financial loss and distress for consumers. Our appointment as a Google ‘trusted flagger’ is a reflection of our team’s expertise in disrupting the activities of online criminals. By supporting Google with the swift removal of fake reviews and ads on its platforms we look forward to making an even greater impact in the fight against scams and fraud.”  

Fake reviews alone are estimated to influence an estimated £23bn of UK consumer spending every year***. With this money diverted to the criminals, and entire websites springing up that claim to be family-run businesses, it’s clear that small businesses are at particular risk from the harm caused by fake retail content.  

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:

“As the Christmas shopping season begins, we’re calling on consumers to take care with their planned purchases and make sure they are placed with authentic, brilliant small businesses. 

“This is not a time to let your guard down. Criminals luring consumers in with fake products and reviews hurt people during a cost-of-living crisis, often cruelly targeting the most vulnerable shoppers. It also undercuts honest small firms that play by the rules and are embedded in their local community, driving customers away.

“Small businesses can also be targeted with fake and misleading reviews, which can cause serious damage and can be hard to spot, especially now that fraudsters are using AI. Reporting, detecting and removing fake reviews is therefore critical.”

Tips to protect yourself this Black Friday… and beyond   

Question rave reviews – if multiple similar reviews have been uploaded at the same time, if a reviewer’s account has been activated recently or has only reviewed a narrow range of products, alarm bells should ring.

See beyond the stars – whilst a star rating of 4.5 or 5 can be a good indicator of quality, don’t go by this alone – look at the reviews too and check them against these tips.

Is it AI talking? Genuine reviews will often be personal and specific to the individual’s experience of using the item, whilst a fake is more likely to be vague, using generic words and phrases such as ‘amazing’, ‘awesome’, ‘buy this product’.

Review the reviews – Trusted online review checkers can help you decide if reviews are genuine – current options include TheReviewIndex and RateBud.

Don’t buy from an ad – If you’re tempted by a product, go back to your browser and search the company website separately. Check out a range of well-known independent review sites (such as TrustPilot) and see if you can find other mentions of the website online. And don’t always rely on the padlock symbol as many criminals have cottoned on to this.

Beware fake websites – Don’t automatically trust a website that you don’t know. Look for a company address, phone number and professional email address that you can verify, check out their socials and see if you can find reviews about the company elsewhere online. You can also use a web URL checker to see if it’s listed as a scam site.

Pay securely – Always pay by credit or debit card or a legitimate payment platform (such as PayPal) when shopping online. If a seller asks for a bank transfer or other method of payment, alarm bells should ring.

If you think you have lost money after being duped by a fake online review, misleading ad or a fake website you should report it to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or 0300 123 2040) or seek advice from a Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.     

ENDS

City of London’s iconic market announces festive event programme including live music, Christmas markets, Christmas guided walks and magical twice-daily snowfall

The new Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, will officially switch on Leadenhall Market’s Christmas lights on Thursday 13 November, kickstarting festive celebrations at the heart of the capital.

The most magical night of year will begin at 5.15pm with live festive tunes and sing-along favourites from band The Super Tenants, before and after the official switch-on takes place at 6pm. Leadenhall Market’s Christmas centrepiece will be an impressive 18-foot real Christmas tree, which takes centre stage under the beautiful starry night atrium. The tree will be adorned with glittering baubles and twinkling lights, and the Victorian market’s shopfronts will be decked in fir tree garlands, with giant baubles and lights throughout.

This year, visitors can experience the magic of snowfall on Leadenhall Market’s cobbled, covered walkways. As part of the Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, a flurry of festive snow will fall at 6pm – but the snow doesn’t stop there; throughout the festive season, visitors can enjoy this wintry wonder twice daily, at 12pm and 6pm, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for seasonal shopping and celebrations.

Back by popular demand, Leadenhall Market’s very own pop-up Alpine Lodge will provide favourite winter warmer drinks, along with seasonal festive treats.

Many of Leadenhall’s restaurants and bars will be open for drinks, snacks and evening meals before, during and after the switch on including The Lamb Tavern, The Golden Goose, Old Tom’s, Oriani, Argentinian Grill, Aux Merveilleux De Fred, Boom Bap Burger, Chango Empandas, Georgio, La Viña, Luc’s Brasserie, Osteria del Mercato and Pizza Express. Christmas shopping opportunities range from specialist drinks store Amathus to British clothing brands Hobbs, Reiss and Barbour, to Pollock’s Toy Museum, Flying Tiger, Solo Craft Fair and Waterstones.

Leadenhall Market’s mayoral connections stretch back to Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington who gifted the original stone structure to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced with today’s iconic wrought iron and glass architecture in 1881. Dame Susan Langley’s attendance as the third woman to hold the mayoral office, and first ever to use the title Lady Mayor – will mark another historical moment for the City of London.

Leadenhall Market’s festive events programme continues with:

Christmas Walking Tours: Amid the Victorian splendour and twinkling lights of Leadenhall Market, visitors will hear stories of some of the market’s best-loved characters – from the medieval mayor who inspired a pantomime to the resident goose who once proudly patrolled its passageways. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without mention of Charles Dickens. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 19 November and 10 December. Booking in advanceis required to secure a place.
Christmas Markets – Leadenhall’s much-loved weekend markets continue throughout the festive season, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts – from handcrafted art and jewellery to vintage fashion and homeware. This year, three festive pop-ups provide even more reason to visit. The SoLo Craft Fair will take place on two Saturdays (Saturday 8 November and Saturday 13 December), showcasing handmade creations from independent artisans, while The Vintage Furniture and Flea Christmas Market (Sunday 30 November) invites retro enthusiasts to discover one-of-a-kind treasures with stories to tell.

Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its airy and light wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 23 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 15 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City. Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.

Live music, vintage games and 100 free luxury hampers available

The 80^th anniversary of VE Day will be marked with a vibrant street party hosted at Leadenhall Market on 8 May. Taking place from 3 to 6pm, this free event invites Londoners to enjoy a festive afternoon featuring complimentary afternoon tea hampers, live musical performances, vintage games and a nostalgic street party atmosphere in the heart of the City.

On 8 May, the nation will celebrate 80 years since World War II ended in Europe. In 1945 the people of Britain came together in joyous street parties to celebrate peace. Eastern City Business Improvement District will be recapturing this community spirit by bringing long communal tables, Union Jacks and classic street decorations to Leadenhall Market’s cobbled streets, protected from the elements by the beautiful glass roofed Victorian structure.

Visitors to the VE Day Street Party will experience the spirit of the 1940s with a specially curated programme of entertainment. The Swingettes, a dazzling vocal trio, will bring the era’s most iconic tunes to life in three sets throughout afternoon. While classic wartime music from Vera Lynn and other greats will set the mood. Guests can also try their hand at traditional board games from the period, including Snakes and Ladders, Backgammon, and Cluedo.

As part of the celebration, 100 luxurious afternoon tea hampers will be given away. Each carefully curated hamper will feature traditional delights such as delectable cakes and fresh, locally sourced strawberries. The hampers will showcase treats from Leadenhall Market’s renowned traders, including floral arrangements by Windsor Flowers and exquisite pastries from the Market’s patisserie, Aux Merveilleux de Fred.

To secure a luxury hamper ahead of time guests should follow @easterncityldn on Instagram, reshare the VE Day Street Party post, and submit their details via email as instructed. Those who successfully secure their hamper will be notified in advance and can collect their hampers on the day by showing their confirmation email. Another 50 hampers will be available to pick up on the day on a first-come-first-served basis.

As well as soaking up the vintage vibes at the VE Day Street Party, visitors can explore the incredible mix of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs at Leadenhall Market, stopping for an excellent glass of wine from Bedales or Cheese, or a pint from Golden Goose or The Lamb Tavern.

Ollie Goode, Asset Manager at Leadenhall Market said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this event offers Londoners a chance to come together in a truly historic setting to honour an important moment in our nation’s past. Leadenhall Market is proud to host this celebration of resilience and community. The independent businesses that make Leadenhall so special are looking forward to welcoming guests for a day of music, fun and great food in the heart of the City.”

For more information and for information on both events, visit https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk/ve-day-street-party/

Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation. 

The brief

The National Preparedness Commission (NPC) asked Barley to launch its landmark report on the UK’s food resilience, authored by Professor Tim Lang. Just in Case: 7 steps to narrow the UK civil food resilience gap examines public readiness, vulnerabilities in the food system and how crises could limit access to food. The report issued a stark warning: the UK’s food security is fragile, and current government, industry and civil-society planning is insufficient. NPC Chair Lord Toby Harris tasked Barley with developing a targeted media strategy, drafting a hard-hitting release and securing coverage to influence policymakers and food-sector leaders.

Insights and approach

Barley worked closely with the NPC and the report’s authors to distil clear, compelling messages that would attract media interest while avoiding alarmist or sensational framing. Our focus was to communicate the seriousness of the UK’s food-security challenge in a credible, policy-relevant way.

Given the report’s call for stronger food policy and improved government planning, we targeted a mix of food, science and farming trade titles, alongside national social-affairs, policy and environment correspondents to reach policymakers and industry leaders.

To maximise impact, we set an embargo for the morning of publication and began outreach to priority journalists and broadcasters well ahead of launch. This enabled us to secure pre-recorded interviews for release on launch day, including Farming Today, as well as longer-lead programmes such as The Food Programme. We also anchored our pitch to current debates on proposed US trade tariffs, ensuring timely relevance and strengthening the news hook.

As a result, we secured high-quality interviews for Professor Tim Lang with leading journalists, including the Guardian’s Environment correspondent, Financial Times’ Public Policy Correspondent and The Grocer’s International Trade Editor, positioning the report at the centre of national and sector-specific conversations on food resilience.

Results

The report generated strong national and sector media impact. Its findings were covered by The Guardian and highlighted in Politico’s London Playbook. It led BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today, which ran an in-depth interview with Professor Tim Lang. Barley also secured an interview with Lord Ed Davey on Times Radio and a full BBC Radio 4 Food Programme dedicated to food preparedness, featuring both Sir Toby Harris and Tim—directly reaching core policymaker audiences.

Extensive trade coverage across food, retail, supply chain, farming and agriculture titles ensured the report reached senior industry figures. Advance briefings with the National Farmers’ Union generated additional attention, supported by comments from the NFU President.

The report also gained significant traction on X (Twitter), including engagement from influential farmer and commentator James Rebanks. Monthly title BBC Science Focus further amplified the findings in a wider feature on national preparedness.

Vapes marketed as ‘nicotine free’ found to contain nicotine

New data published by National Trading Standards reveal 13% of supposedly ‘nicotine free’ vapes on sale in the UK contain the highly addictive substance
Businesses and vapers urged to be vigilant and report suspected cases

New data published today by National Trading Standards reveal supposedly nicotine free vapes on sale to UK consumers have been found to contain nicotine. The findings have been published as Trading Standards continue to unearth new intelligence around the illegal vapes market.

As part of Operation Joseph – a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded initiative tracking the sale of illicit vapes and underage sales – 76 products sold as nicotine free vapes were tested by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, working together with Trading Standards teams in Salford and Berkshire.

More than one in every eight (13.2%) of the products were found to contain nicotine in amounts ranging from 0.06 mg/ml to 27.02 mg/ml – around the amount delivered by a pack of 20 cigarettes.*

All ten were also found to exceed the limit on the amount of e-liquid permitted in vapes with two found to exceed both the e-liquid and nicotine strength limit.**

As a result, consumers hoping to buy nicotine free products would have been exposed to nicotine and its addictive effects and in significant quantities with eight of the ten failed samples.

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

“Nicotine free vapes can be a useful tool to quit smoking and reduce nicotine dependency, but these findings reveal that people can actually continue to be stuck in a cycle of addiction if sold the highly addictive substance unknowingly.

“Businesses should be aware vapes falsely claiming to be nicotine free are in circulation and should make sure they are not breaking the law by selling products that are falsely advertised, especially where they are importing goods or acting as the main UK distributor.

“I urge businesses and consumers to be vigilant and report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service by calling 0808 223 1133.”

Alex Fry, Operations Officer for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said:

“We are pleased to have contributed to and helped co-ordinate the sampling of this project. We recognise how important it is for regulators and legislators to have up to date intelligence on what products are being supplied to consumers.

“Trading Standards are at the forefront of ensuring products comply with legal requirements and we hope that the findings will provide valuable intelligence and help shape the future regulation of cigarettes, tobacco and vapes.”

LONDON, 26 February 2025 – A recent survey conducted for London Recycles ahead of Repair Week 2025 has revealed that Londoners spent an average of £464.21 per person replacing damaged or broken items they believe could have been repaired over the past year. This adds up to a staggering £3.24 billion across London, marking a £240 million increase from a similar poll conducted for London Repair Week 2024.

The findings highlight the significant environmental and financial benefits of repairing rather than replacing items. However, many Londoners are unaware of affordable repair options or don’t feel they have the skills to fix things themselves.

London Repair Week 2025: free workshops and events

London Repair Week 2025, running from 3rd to 9th March, aims to inspire Londoners to embrace the repair revolution. With almost 90 active partners holding over 220 events across the city, many of which are free, the week offers opportunities to learn practical repair skills while connecting with others in the community.

56% of Londoners from the survey agreed that participating in a repair workshop would make them feel more connected to their local community, and 33% claim to have made friends at similar events in the past.

Workshops will cover a wide range of skills and items. Confirmed event hosts include London National Park City, Decathlon, TRAID, Kundakala, NOW Gallery and Trash Club. These workshops are designed to empower participants to extend the life of their belongings while reducing waste and saving money.

Repair Week has expanded beyond London again this year, bringing the repair movement to even more communities across the nation. Greater Manchester will be taking part for the third year running, while Cardiff, County Durham, Liverpool City Region, Belfast and Northern Ireland will take part for the first time.

Ali Moore, Head of Campaigns for London Recycles, said: “London Repair Week is about empowering people to make their stuff last longer, meet people and connect with their community. Whether you’re motivated by financial savings, environmental

concerns, or simply want to learn a new skill, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.”

For a full list of workshops and events during #RepairWeekLDN, visit the London Recycles website London Recycles | Repair Week – What’s On.

Survey findings: a growing appetite for repair culture

The survey conducted by Censuswide reveals a growing interest in repair culture among Londoners:

77% want to learn repair skills to save money
67% would prefer repairing items themselves if they had the knowledge
57% are concerned about the cost of replacing broken items in the coming year
56% enjoy repairing items with others and want to learn more
58% would attend more local repair events if available locally
80% feel a sense of achievement when repairing things

Despite these positive trends, commonly discarded items like shoes (31%), clothing (29%), and kettles (27%) are often thrown away without exploring repair options.

Launching the UK’s first electrical repair voucher scheme

In addition to the events and workshops, an innovative repair voucher pilot scheme is being announced during the week. Funded by the North London Waste Authority and delivered in partnership by The Restart Project, ReLondon and FixFirst, this scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and aims to tackle one of the biggest barriers to repair: cost[2].

Key details of the scheme include:

Vouchers offering consumers 50% off repair costs (up to £50)
A trial run will take place across North London, with businesses accepting vouchers in Haringey, Hackney and Waltham Forest.
Launch date set for 1 April 2025, running for six months
The vouchers are available for use on repairs to household electrical items like toasters, kettles, lamps and tech including mobile phones and laptops

How it works: North London residents can apply for a voucher online and will receive a QR code to use at participating repair high street businesses listed on an interactive map. Once a repair is booked , customers receive their discount at payment. Businesses then claim back the cost from partner Fixfirst.

Fiona Dear, Co-Director at The Restart Project said: “Repair is hugely popular, but cost is one of the main reasons that people don’t fix their electricals. So we’re delighted to be trialling a repair voucher scheme in North London. The trial will directly reduce repair costs for Londoners, encourage more people to try out repair, and support North London’s repair businesses. We look forward to seeing the impact of the pilot, and making the case for further, longer-term schemes in the UK.”

Teams to compete for Leadenhall Market’s coveted golden frying pan

Leadenhall Market’s 18^th century pub – The Lamb Tavern – has announced its 16^th annual pancake race, celebrating Shrove Tuesday in the City of London.

The legendary event will take place on Tuesday 4 March at 12.30pm. The annual tradition sees teams of four don bowler hats and take on a 20m relay of the Victorian cobbled alleyways of Leadenhall Market, to compete for the ultimate prize of the Golden frying pan.

Not only do the winners have their name inscribed on the fabled trophy, they also get treated to a Lamb Tavern Hamper, while those in second place receive a £50 bar tab and third prize picks up a bottle of prosecco. The losing team will be awarded the consolation prize of one of The Lamb Tavern’s scotch eggs, to split between the four of them. And if that’s not enough, all competitors will get a free pancake to fuel their energy.

Spectators can expect to be entertained by market personality Charlie from London City Shoeshine, the event’s resident commentator. And there will be countless pancakes available to enjoy, cooked by The Lamb Tavern’s head chef.

Free to enter, teams of four people can take part and must register beforehand at www.lambtavernleadenhall.com/#book, or by emailing lambtavern@youngs.co.uk.

Leadenhall Market’s boutique retailers, bars, restaurants and cafés will also be open for the event, welcoming participants and spectators alike.

Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 24 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 14 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City.

Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation. For more information, visit: leadenhallmarket.co.uk

The National Preparedness Commission (NPC) today issued a critical warning about the precarious state of the United Kingdom’s food security. In a new report published this morning, the Commission is urging immediate action to safeguard the nation’s food supply against mounting global pressures, including climate change, geopolitical instability, extreme weather events, fragile supply chains and the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NPC’s groundbreaking report concludes that considerable change is needed to bring UK food policy into a fit state of preparedness. It provides a critical framework to ensure that the UK’s food systems are resilient, sustainable and able to feed the nation in both ordinary and extraordinary times. Authored by Professor Tim Lang, Professor Emeritus of Food Policy at City St George’s, University of London, Just in Case: 7 steps to narrow the UK civil food resilience gap (linked here), calls for a decisive shift from reactive food policies to proactive, community-centred resilience planning – examining in detail for the first time how the British public can be better prepared.

Serving as a rallying cry for policymakers, the report draws on lessons from ten countries to stress the urgency of embedding food resilience into national policy, proposing a strategic reset from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” logistics. Highlighting a convergence of threats, the Just in Case framework offers a blueprint for stability and preparedness: recommending a coordinated approach from government, industry and crucially, civil society.

Among 15 key recommendations, the report calls for new legislation to formalise the state’s obligation to feed the public in a time of crisis. A new legally defined UK food policy, including increased domestic production, is also recommended. Elsewhere, the report urges changes to food distribution systems, the introduction of town-to-town food resilience learning exchanges and research into current thinking around stockpiling and rationing, all to better prepare Britain for food shocks.

Over 70 people from organisations as diverse as the food industry, government, academia, and community groups were interviewed by the authors. In one-to-one interviews, they were asked to judge risks, fragilities, options and recommendations for how to improve food system resilience, and particularly to advise on how to accelerate what the report calls ‘civil food resilience’. These extensive interviews are cited throughout the report, all anonymised to encourage frankness. Case studies from Birmingham, Bristol and international cities underscore the potential of grassroots initiatives, which often outpace government in innovation and community engagement. The report measures ‘civil food resilience’ by considering the public’s awareness of risks, ability to reduce unnecessary risks and preparedness to act inclusively with others to ensure all society is well fed during crises.

The detailed research is presented in a 370-page main report, with a standalone Executive Summary. It highlights that enhancing resilience is not a “bolt-on” solution but an integrated effort requiring coordination and collaboration across different levels of society and between different sectors – government, industry, commerce, science, education and civil society.

Professor Tim Lang said: “The UK’s post-War food system, while revolutionary in its time, is no longer fit for purpose. To safeguard our future, we must prioritise resilience at every level – from local communities to national frameworks. There is a gap between the official risk and resilience framework which presents a picture that all is OK, and the realities that people in senior and frontline roles read differently. There is too much complacency about UK food security and civil food resilience barely features at all in forward planning. Food resilience is not just about surviving a crisis but thriving despite it. This report stands apart from current frameworks by taking into account the public’s current attitudes and understanding of food risks, and asking how civil society can be better engaged to ultimately become more resilient.”

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of the National Preparedness Commission said: “Food security is a cornerstone of national resilience. This report highlights the urgent need for a coordinated, whole-society approach to ensure that no one in the UK is left vulnerable in the face of future crises. The risks to our food systems are more pronounced than ever before. From floods in key farming regions to disruptions in global trade, we are facing a confluence of threats that could undermine our ability to feed ourselves. The recommendations provide a clear path forward, and it is vital that these are considered urgently.”

The NPC’s new report outlines several key areas of concern and presents actionable recommendations to protect the UK’s civil food security.

The report proposes seven steps to civil food resilience:

1.. Learn from others

The UK should emulate steps taken by other counties, including improving coordination across government levels, ensuring public advice is accessible and the introduction of community guidelines around stockpiling.

2. Assess the public’s mood, perceptions and engagement

Develop a comprehensive food resilience tracker, increase public awareness of food risks, and promote clear, accessible guidance to enhance trust and preparedness.

3. Map the community’s food assets

Shift from individual stockpiling to collective approaches, enabling shared food skills, resources, and multi-level coordination for equitable crisis preparedness.

4. Local authorities are key to building civil food resilience

Cities and regions play a vital role: fostering local frameworks, partnerships, and integrated policies to enhance sustainability and readiness.

5. Create local Food Resilience Committees to co-ordinate resilience preparation

Use local Food Resilience Committees to map supply chains, build networks, assess risks, and coordinate tailored, community-based food preparedness.

6. The UK central state must create and maintain a coherent food policy

A clear national food policy is urgently needed to set goals, improve coordination, and ensure resilience through proactive legislation and strategy.

7. Re-set the Government Resilience Framework for food

A National Food Resilience and Security Council should integrate food resilience into policy, ensuring preparedness, sustainability, and public trust through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key recommendations in the report include:

Legislate for a comprehensive UK food policy: Introduce a Food Security and Resilience Act to ensure a sustainable and resilient food system.
Pass law that obligates the government to feed the public in crises: Formalise government responsibility for crisis food provision, drawing on Sweden’s model.
Shift to a just-in-case food system: Reform logistics to prepare for supply chain shocks, replacing the Just-in-Time approach.
Reassess food as critical national infrastructure: Require Defra to treat food security as a core component of national infrastructure planning.
Create a national council for food security: Establish an advisory body to provide evidence-based, consistent advice on food resilience.
Integrate food into National and Community Risk Registers: Risk assessments should include food-related risks, considering local conditions and community responses.

Include food in the National Infrastructure Commission’s workplans:
The National Infrastructure Commission should incorporate food security into its workplans and advice.
Update crisis communication: Revise public messaging and integrate food issues into messaging planning.
Research stockpiling and rationing: Investigate stockpiling, rationing, and integrating local food providers into emergency food systems.
Engage civil society: Engage civil society organisations to improve emergency food advice, replacing the ‘Prepare’ programme with trusted systems.
Form local Food Resilience Committees: Create committees at the local level, building on existing food policy networks and chaired by trusted local experts.
Prioritise urban and decentralised food production in planning: Amend land-use policies to support regional and urban food production while addressing climate and social equity goals.
Promote regional food strategies: Encourage collaboration among metro mayors and devolved governments to develop regional food policies.
Foster food resilience learning exchanges: Establish town, city, village and institution exchanges for knowledge-sharing on sustainable food systems.
Invest in research: Fund studies into food vulnerabilities, crisis impacts, and demographic-specific resilience measures.

These steps aim to fortify the nation’s food systems, ensuring they remain robust in the face of growing global uncertainties.

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