DYSON’S iconic Airwrap is the most coveted (and expensive) hair styler on the market.

Released in 2018, the Airwrap was the first styler to use airflow technology to create salon-level bouncy blow-outs, and while it may live up to its glowing reputation, it’s far from affordable.

Dyson Airwrap I.D, £429.99 (was £479.99)

The Dyson Airwrap has had a few upgrades over the years, and the latest I.D model allows users to control the hair styler through their phone.

A retail price of £480 makes it no surprise that beauty fans are seeking out cheaper alternatives, and while no other brand has released the latest app-controlled technology just yet, there are some impressive dupes of the original Dyson Airwrap.

Shark, Nicky Clarke, Revlon and Babyliss are among the brands to launch their own air stylers, and we’ve tried-and-tested the popular buys to see if they’re worth it.

My verdict of the original Dyson Airwrap

I’ve been using the Dyson Airwrap I.D (the brand’s latest model) for two months now, and it’s become my all-time favourite styler.

Everything about the Airwrap feels luxurious, from the sleek design to the range of attachments — but the performance is really where its cult status comes from.

The curling barrels wrap around the hair easily for an bouncy wave, and the hot brush attachments glide through the hair without snagging.

Dyson’s latest feature is what really sets it ahead of its competitors, as it uses Bluetooth to connect with the Airwrap.

Dyson Airwrap I.D Multi Styler, £429.99 (was £479.99)

Once personalised to your hair type, the styler works out how long you should be holding on the hot and cold shots on the hair, creating a profile.

The Dyson already felt user-friendly (once you’ve nailed the technique), but the app switches automatically between modes for you for that extra element of efficiency.

Would I recommend the Dyson Airwrap to a friend? Absolutely.

That being said, there are far cheaper options that hold up almost to the same level, so you don’t need to pay the full price to achieve the voluminous waves or sleek styles.

Best Dyson Airwrap dupes UK

Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Drying System

Shark FlexStyle, £242.99 (was £269.99)

Pros: Effective styling, causes minimal heat damage, option to build your own set, rotates between dryer and styler, powerful hair dryer 

Cons: Noisy, hot brush attachment can feel rough on the hair, bulky for travelling, two curling barrels for each side

Rating: 8.5/10

I added the Shark FlexStyle to my routine just over a year ago, and it’s been an absolute game-changer.

Mastering the bouncy blow-out with a hair dryer and a round brush always felt beyond my skillset, but Shark’s tool makes creating voluminous styles that much easier.

The feature that sets it apart from its competitors is how it rotates between a hair dryer and a styler at the touch of a button.

It makes such a difference being able to dry your hair with the tool sitting at an angle, and I love that the when using the smoothing concentrator head, it’s just as powerful as a traditional hair dryer.

The FlexStyle isn’t as sleek as the Dyson Airwrap, with two curling barrels for each side of the head and a slightly bulkier design, but it’s definitely the closest alternative on the market.

In terms of performance, it comes very close for creating blow-outs that last (although I sometimes find the curling barrels don’t pick up the hair quite as easily).

The power of the Shark’s hair dryer is seriously impressive, and it comes with very similar attachments.

Retailing for £200 less than the Dyson Airwrap, the Flexstyle holds up as a great alternative.

Read my Shark FlexStyle review for more information.

Reviewed by Sophie Bates

Nicky Clarke AirStyle PRO Dryer and Styler

Nicky Clarke AirStyle PRO Dryer and Styler, £249 at Amazon

Pros: Feels well made, airflow stylers are easy to use, separate left and right attachments, three heat and power settings, comes with two airflow attachments, a diffuser and hairdryer nozzle, long-lasting volume and curls

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 8.5/10

As an extreme bouncy blow-dry enthusiast where no volume will ever be enough, the Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro has become the only tool that can give me a salon-level blowout at home.

Personally, I can’t fault this device.

It delivers salon-quality volume and a beautiful bouncy blow-dry which lasts all day and into the night.

Additionally, it offers protection through infrared and ionic technology, making it ideal for brittle, coloured, or fine hair.

There are three power settings and three heat settings, while the air-curl styling nozzles are thoughtfully designed with both left and right-sided options for ease of use. 

Impressively, it has also cut the time it used to take me to create voluminous curls in half compared to other styling tools, such as wands or hot brushes.

The price point can be seen as a slight sting at £299, but in my opinion, it operates just as well as a Dyson for £180 less and acts as an investment that can help you save a considerable amount on trips to the hairdressers.

Reviewed by Lucy Powell

GHD Rise Professional Hot Brush

ghd Rise Professional Hot Brush, £179

Pros: Bristles on brush good for combing through knotty hair and tangles.

Cons: No interchangeable attachments, no adjustable heat settings. Cannot be used on wet hair.

Rating: 7.5/10

The GHD Rise Professional Hot Brush works seamlessly to style, tame pesky flyaways (of which I have many), create a sleek straight do with soft ends, or a subtle curl.

Similarly to the Revlon dupe, it does not have interchangeable attachments like the Dyson Airwrap.

I am a longtime GHD fan and rely on the brand’s hair tools and products to create long-lasting styles that will tame my hair in seconds.

While it works effectively on my long hair, compared to the Dyson Airwrap there are some glaringly obvious differences.

The GHD design does not have adjustable heat or speed settings, though it does heat up to 180 degrees.

But it does feature an ultra zone technology to ensure there is even heat distribution and prevent heat damage.

The brush on the GHD Rise is hugely different to those on the Dyson attachments, as the bristles are like small pronged teeth that glide through the knottiest hair seamlessly.

The main difference between the GHD Rise and the Airwrap is that it cannot be used on wet hair and cannot dry your locks.

Reviewed by Mia Lyndon

Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser

Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser, £34.99 (was £49.99) at Boots

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to use, detachable styling heads for variety

Cons: Hot brush attachment creates some friction when passing it through your hair, feels very hot against your scalp, style fell flat within a few hours

Rating: 7/5

The Revlon One-Step Multi Styler is the largest hot brush I’ve used, but also the most lightweight, and features a clever swivel cord, making manoeuvring it around your head very easy. 

The hair tool can be used on damp hair, so I began by using the root-drying concentrator, a clever attachment that quickly dries the hair near your scalp.

The thick, plastic bristles struggled to pass through my hair which caused some tension, although the attachment is still a game-changer as it dries hair from the top of the hair (unlike many others).

The Oval Shaped Brush attachment also does a brilliant job of drying your roots – meaning you could actually skip using the root-drying concentrator – and has a wide barrel covered in soft bristles.

The tool’s long, sleek curling wand made wrapping my hair into curls easy, but it felt very hot when used near my roots, meaning I had to adjust the temperature setting down.

At first, I was very impressed that the curling wand features a clip (which helps hold everything in place as you wrap your hair around the barrel), but its strong grip left a noticeable kink in my hair.

It took me a long time to style my hair, thanks to styling it in small sections on a low heat setting, but the result was gorgeous.

I don’t usually wear my hair wavy, but I fell in love with the floaty, dainty waves that the Revlon styler created – even if they fell flat a few hours later.

Reviewed by Mia Lyndon

BaByliss Corded Electric Air Styler

Babyliss Corded Electric Hair Styler, £52.05 at Amazon

Pros: Four attachments included, suitable for all hair types, long-lasting results, leaves hair looking shiny, comes with heat-protecting glove, great smoothing and barrell attachments

Cons: Hair dryer attachment isn’t very powerful, feels flimsy, noisy, curling barrel lacks power

Rating: 6.5/10

The Babyliss Air Styler features anti-frizz technology and ionic system, working to release positive and negative ions that attach to each strand of hair for a sleek, glossy finish.

There are a number of heat settings which is good to stop damaging your hair with excess, and the drying nozzle is similar to Dyson’s concentrator attachment.

You’re supposed to move the appliance down your hair and start rotating the brush away from your head, this will create tension throughout the strand of hair to give that blow-dry finish.

The motion in itself takes a bit of practice, and you’re better off starting slow as you can easily find hair tangled around if you’re not careful.

While the curling barrel lacked power, the straightening and smoothing brushes worked well for eliminating frizz.

This isn’t one I’d recommend for creating curls, but for those that want a sleek blow-out, it’s an affordable option worth considering.

Reviewed by Lucy Powell

What is the closest thing to a Dyson Airwrap?

The Dyson’s innovative features set it ahead of its competitors, but there are some alternatives that rival the real thing.

Shark ‘s FlexStyle is the closest alternative to the Airwrap, featuring similar attachments with the same high-powered air technology.

Shoppers can also choose from a FlexStyle based on their hair type, or build their own Air Styling System on the Shark website.

Nicky Clarke’s Air Styler is also a top choice.

The hair tool comes in at the same price as the Shark FlexStyle, featuring curling barrels and a styling concentrator.

Although, it doesn’t have as much variety as the Airwrap or FlexStyle (as it’s missing the hot brush attachments).

Are Dyson Airwrap dupes worth it?

The Dyson Airwrap is a big investment, so scoping out a dupe is a great way to save some money or to try out air styling before taking the plunge.

Several alternatives have received rave reviews for how they hold up against the real thing, and some have almost identical attachments.

Other options take it back to basics with less attachments, which is great for beginners who don’t want to overcomplicate their routine.

Leading brands including Shark, Revlon, Babyliss and Nicky Clarke all have air stylers that resemble the Dyson Airwrap.

Some Dyson dupes cost as little as £25 and achieve similar styles efficiently, so you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get impressive results.

Is Shark Airwrap as good as Dyson?

While the Dyson Airwrap is still at the top of its game, Shark’s FlexStyle comes pretty close.

Shark’s version of the air tool dries and styles hair just as effectively, creating bouncy blow-outs with the same level of efficiency.

Shoppers can also choose their attachments with the FlexStyle, or buy a bundle designed for their hair type.

The attachments do slightly differ between the two brands, and I found that Shark’s hot brush attachments weren’t quite as smooth as the Airwrap’s.

However, the curling barrels worked just as well (Dyson only slightly taking the win for its power), but I found they generally gave the same result.

Shark does provide two barrels for curling each side of the head, whereas Dyson has an efficient twist button on the one barrel, making it a better option for tavelling.

When it came to drying, I actually preferred the Shark FlexStyle due to the rotating design that mimics a traditional hair dryer.

Overall, the two stylers come pretty close in terms of quality and design, so Shark is a great option for those looking to save some money.

Why is Dyson Airwrap so expensive?

As far as premium styling tools go, Dyson’s Airwrap is at the top with a £479.99 price tag.

There’s no denying that the styler is extremely expensive, which is the case with most of Dyson’s products.

The Airwrap is a luxury product that’s paved the way for similar tools to follow, and the latest I.D model is also ahead of the game with its app-controlled features.

It’s no surprise that other beauty tech brands have followed suit with their own versions of the air styler, and some alternatives are far cheaper.

Whether it’s the original or a dupe, it’s worth researching which models are best suited to your hair type before taking the plunge.

Dyson’s hair stylers are sometimes on sale, so if you’re set on getting a saving, it’s worth trying to pick the Airwrap up when it’s discounted.

A MAN who was raped by Ronnie Kray said he feels “sick” when obsessed “fans” go on a “pilgrimage” to his grave.

Ronnie and Reggie Kray were both notorious for their ruthless East End crime empire during the 1950s and 1960s.

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Obsessed fans boast about their “pilgrimages” to see the Krays’ graves in North London[/caption]

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The twins were both notorious for their ruthless East End crime empire during the 1950s and 1960s[/caption]

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Bobby recalled the brothers attacking children and Ronnie threatening to rape his 11-year-old brother[/caption]

Bobby Teale, who reported the twins to the police, was raped by Ronnie when he worked for them.

He has now slammed the “literally clueless” people who continue to idolise the “terrible people”.

Ronnie and Reggie’s graves attract a lot of attention at Chingford Mount Cemetery, in North London.

Bizarre fans often leave tributes, flowers and alcohol for the pair while posing for cheery pictures with the black gravestones.

After carrying out his work as an informant, Bobby felt forced to flee to America for his own safety.

He had lived with Reggie at one point in time so his testimony helped see the killer brothers jailed for murdering George Cornell and Jack ‘the Hat’ McVitie.

Bobby told MailOnline Ronnie and Reggie were “domestic terrorists” and should be remembered that way.

“They’re actually imbalanced – but as soon as you name yourself as being the one that said it, then the very people who idolise these lunatics attack you. They haven’t got a clue,” he said.

“Seeing people idolising them, it’s the most sickening thing I could believe.”

The 83-year-old said when he returned to the UK after 40 years he was baffled by idolisation of the twins.

Bobby recalled the brothers attacking children and Ronnie threatening to rape his 11-year-old brother.

He remembered hearing Ronnie tell Reggie “you’ve got to kill someone. You wouldn’t believe how good it is”.

The breaking point came when the thugs held Bobby’s brother’s family hostage.

“I didn’t do it to be any hero – I did it because I knew I was going to be done in anyway,” added Bobby.

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The gangsters were ultimately taken down with the help of the Teale brothers’ testimonies[/caption]

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Ronnie’s funeral, on 29th March 1995, in Bethnal Green, East London, drew thousands[/caption]

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Ronnie and Reggie during their amateur boxing days[/caption]

David Teale, now 82, dubbed the Krays “murderers, bullies, and violent, horrible people”.

“But others have made them legends – how can you make serial killers legends?” He asked. 

“At the trial I looked over at Ronnie, the Colonel, because I had something personal because he raped me years ago, and I said: ‘The truth hurts Ron, doesn’t it’.”

David begged for history to be “put right” and stop idolising the Krays as “martyrs”.

The third Teale brother, Alfie, has also become involved with the Krays.

The 85-year-old said: “Reggie was an absolute psychopath, same as his brother.”

It comes as men’s mental health charities have been issuing urgent warnings about the idolisation of figures such as the Krays and Andrew Tate.

Laurence Johns, from The Mankind Project UK, said: “Where other people may have got the stories of Robin Hood I got the Krays. I think a lot of people gloss over reality – but they weren’t nice people.”

He explained how the Krays could be “very attractive” to people “seeking for identity”.

“It’s not a crisis in masculiuty – it’s a crisis in society where a lopt of people are feeling disempowered, men and women,” said Laurence.

THE KRAY TWINS

The identical twins were born within ten minutes of each other on October 24, 1933, in in Haggerston, East London.

They were born to parents Charles David Kray and Violet Annie Lee and grew up in the East End with their brother Charles.

The brothers also had a sister, named Violet who was born in 1929, however she sadly died in infancy.

Their father, also Charles, was a second-hand clothes dealer and went on the run to avoid military service.

Their maternal grandfather Jimmy “Cannonball” Lee encouraged them to take up amateur boxing, a common pastime for working class boys in the area.

Ronnie was considered to be the more aggressive of the two twins, constantly getting into street fights as a teenager.

In 1952 they began their national service, but they were too wild for the military.

After assaulting the corporal in charge and several police officers, they managed to get a dishonourable discharge by throwing tantrums, dumping their latrine bucket over a sergeant and even handcuffing a guard to their prison bars.

With a criminal record their boxing careers were brought to an abrupt end, and they instead turned to a life of crime.

The twins became household names in 1964 when they were hit with an expose in the Sunday Mirror.

It insinuated that Ronnie had a sexual relationship with Lord Boothby, a Conservative politician.

No names were printed in the piece, but the twins threatened to sue the newspaper with the help of Labour Party leader Harold Wilson’s solicitor Arnold Goodman.

The Mirror backed down, sacked its editor, issued an apology and paid Boothby £40,000 in an out-of-court settlement.

Because of this other newspapers were unwilling to expose the Krays’ connection and criminal activities.

In the early 50s the brothers started their gang, The Firm.

Under The Firm umbrella they were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, assaults and murder over close to two decades.

One of their first moves was to buy a run-down snooker club in Mile End, where they started several protection rackets.

In the 60s, they moved to the West End to run a gambling club, Esmerelda’s Barn, in Knightsbridge.

As owners of Esmerelda’s Barn, the twins quickly achieved celebrity status, and rubbing shoulders with the likes of lords, MPs, socialites and famous faces such as Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.

But in March 1969, both Ronnie and Reggie were sentenced to life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 30 years for two counts of murder of Cornell – the longest sentences ever passed at the Old Bailey.

Their brother Charlie was imprisoned for ten years for his part in the murders.

Ronnie Kray was classed as a Category A prisoner and was denied almost all liberties.

Ronnie was eventually certified insane – his paranoid schizophrenia was treated with constant medication.

In 1979 he was committed and lived the remainder of his life in Broadmoor Hospital.

Reggie Kray was imprisoned in Maidstone Prison for eight years as a Category B prisoner.

In 1997, he was transferred to the Category C Wayland Prison in Norfolk.

Reggie Kray spent a total of 33 years behind bars, before being released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000, at the age of 66.

He was released due to being diagnosed with inoperable bladder cancer.

Ronnie Kray spent the remainder of his life imprisoned in Broadmoor Hospital, up until his death in 1995.

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Kevin Dunnett - The Sun

Ronnie in prison on June 25 1975[/caption]

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The pair were arrested for murder on May 8, 1968[/caption]

CELEBRITY Big Brother fans have become convinced there was more to Mickey Rourke’s exit than what was shown.

The Oscar-nominated actor ‘agreed to leave the house’ on Saturday following a confrontation with Chris Hughes, which was shown on Monday night’s episode.

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However, fans believe that what was shown wasn’t the full story, and there was more the ITV team decided not to air.

During the task, where the housemates were dressed up as pirates, Mickey squared up for Chris after ‘giving him the side-eye’ in a flippant moment.

While Chris said it was a joke, Mickey branded the former Love Island star a ‘c**’ and threatened to knock him out.

The moment came after he made another inappropriate remark which left Ella Rae Wise uncomfortable.

Taking to Reddit, one fan claimed: “Feels like that whole Mickey Chris argument had a lot of missing context with tons edited out.

“That’s it? I would have liked to have seen more.

“It felt like we didn’t see the whole dialogue and build up. Feels like we’ve missed out on some context there.”

“I agree. I couldn’t work out what was going on,” said another.

“Oh yessss… very much so. But obvs they had an hour to squeeze in the jist of it.. they did leave out all his other vile comments to Ella …as they stated he had said .. they just aired ONE but said he said inappropriate and unacceptable COMMENTS to her.,” said a third.

However, others believe that the incident was seen in full – which is why it took so many housemates off guard.

The final incident came after a bombshell moment just 24 hours into the house, where he made used homophobic language towards gay housemate JoJo Siwa, after telling her “after four days with him she wouldn’t be gay anymore”.

He was given a formal warning for his comments towards JoJo, with the incident involving Chris proving to be the last straw.

ITV issued a statement when Mickey was removed and said: “Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother house this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.”

Mickey has since fled back to Los Angeles, and has had his reported £500,000 appearance fee slashed for his behaviour.

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Ella said Mickey had made sexually inappropriate comments[/caption]

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REDUCING your salt intake is a popular health recommendation, particularly when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

But scientists have now found a potentially more effective way of keeping your blood pressure reading in check.

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Keeping your blood pressure in check can help prevent serious conditions like heart disease and stroke[/caption]

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Eating potassium-rich foods like bananas may be more effective than lowering your salt intake[/caption]

New research from the University of Waterloo suggests eating foods like bananas, which are rich in potassium, may be may be more effective for curbing blood pressure levels than simply reducing sodium intake.

A single banana can be bought for as little as 16p from Tesco and Aldi.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects 30 per cent of adults globally.

It’s the leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke, and can lead to other serious conditions, including chronic kidney disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeats and dementia.

“Usually, when we have high blood pressure, we are advised to eat less salt,” said Anita Layton, professor of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology at the University of Waterloo and the Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine. 

“Our research suggests that adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as bananas or broccoli, might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium.” 

Sodium and potassium are essential electrolytes that your body needs to maintain fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, as well as blood pressure.

“Early humans ate lots of fruits and vegetables, and as a result, our body’s regulatory systems may have evolved to work best with a high potassium, low sodium diet,” said Melissa Stadt, a PhD candidate in Waterloo’s Department of Applied Mathematics and the lead author of the study. 

“Today, western diets tend to be much higher in sodium and lower in potassium. That may explain why high blood pressure is found mainly in industrialised societies, not in isolated societies.” 

Previous research has found increasing potassium intake can help control blood pressure.

But in this study, to understand how increasing potassium intake can help control blood pressure, the team developed a mathematical model.

The model identifies how the ratio of potassium to sodium impacts the body.

It showed men develop high blood pressure more easily than pre-menopausal women.

However, men were also more likely to respond positively to an increased ratio of potassium to sodium.

The researchers emphasised mathematical models like the one used in this study help identify how different factors impact the body quickly, cheaply and ethically.

A study published in April 2024 suggested eating just an extra gram of potassium – the equivalent of two medium bananas – per day could be enough to tackle high blood pressure.

Foods highest in potassium include potatoes (especially with their skin still on), sweet potatoes, spinach, and lima beans.

Other good sources include avocados, dried apricots, kidney beans, and various nuts. 

Find out other ways you can reduce your blood pressure and slash your risk of heart disease and stroke below…

A MURDERER who was serving two life sentences has been “killed by another prisoner” inside a high-security jail.

John Mansfield was attacked inside HMP Whitemoor, Cambridgeshire, on Sunday and a 44-year-old has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

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Mansfield had 75 prior convictions and was serving a life sentence following the murder of his elderly neighbour in 2007[/caption]

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Mansfield received a second life sentence in 2014 after stabbing another prisoner with a broken plate[/caption]

It is thought the attack occurred in the prison’s close supervision centre where inmates are meant to be monitored.

Despite the best efforts of prison staff Mansfield died following the incident.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Police are investigating the death of prisoner John Mansfield at HMP Whitemoor on Sunday, April 13. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

Mansfield had 75 prior convictions and was serving a life sentence following the murder of his elderly neighbour in 2007.

The brutal attack saw Ann Alfanso, who was 63-years-old at the time, stabbed almost 100 times at her home in Manchester.

He received a second life sentence in 2014 after stabbing another prisoner with a broken plate.

Following his attack on John Orme, a rapist inside HMP Full Sutton in 2014, Mansfield was expected to never be released from jail.

Sentencing him to a second life term, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, said: “This was a pre-planned and calculating attack on a fellow inmate. You would have carried on had you not been prevented.

“I doubt very much it will ever be safe to release you. I have no doubt you are a very dangerous criminal who regards violence as the norm, who has no hesitation but to kill when necessary.

“You killed an old lady. Now you have convictions for two violent offences in prison. I have every reason to believe it will never be safe to release you. You are a violent and very dangerous man who poses a considerable threat to the public.”

It comes just days after three prison guards had hot cooking oil thrown over them, leaving a woman seriously injured.

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber allegedly knifed three prison guards.

Warders suffered from burns, scalds and stab wounds from the attack allegedly carried out by 28-year-old Hashem Abedi, sources said.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment. Violence against our staff will never be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was “ridiculous” highly dangerous prisoners are given access to cooking facilities and weapons that can threaten lives.

He said: “That luxury must be removed immediately. Prison governors need to stop appeasing these offenders. The safety of prison officers is infinitely more important than the supposed ‘welfare’ of terrorists.”

Men Syndication

A WHOPPING 7,700 corner shops and off licences will close and 70,000 jobs scrapped if Keir Starmer’s smoking crackdown goes through.

A report has said that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which affects the legal smoking age, will lead to thousands of shops to shutter.

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A report has slammed Keir Starmer’s gradual smoking ban[/caption]

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Thousands stores and jobs will be axed if the law is introduced, the report states[/caption]

The generational sales ban (GSB) increases the age customers can legally buy tobacco by one every year until no one will be able to purchase cigarettes.

Kier Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting drew up the proposal, which has its second reading in the House of Lords later this month.

In a report named The Backbone of the UK Under Attack by Dr Maged Ali, a professor at the University of Essex, the potentially negative consequences of the ban have been laid out.

The report said: “At a time when the UK needs to empower its private sector to drive recovery, each new restrictive regulation, like the GSB, does the opposite, adding to the burden on retailers, weakening the economy in ways that may be irreversible.

“Banning an entire generation from purchasing tobacco will have profound economic consequences, costing tens of thousands of retail jobs and stripping the Government of billions in tax revenue.

“Consumers will not stop buying; they will turn to the illicit market, which will quickly fill the gap. Profits will flow to criminals instead of legitimate retailers, while the Government wastes resources enforcing a ban that fails to curb demand.”

Dr Ali wrote how nearly 8,000 stores will be forced to close and 70,100 staff members will lose their jobs over the next thirty years.

He raised concerns that if the younger generation isn’t permitted to purchase tobacco, they will simply turn to the black market.

He described this as a “lose-lose-lose” situation in which shops shutter, government revenue reduces, and the black market increases.

With the elimination of tobacco, the government could miss out on an eye-watering £23.8billion in taxes.

The cost of enforcement is also touted to cost £828 million which will be spent on administering and maintaining the ban.

With the cost of living crisis, increased rent, and reduced footfall on the high street, convenience stores are already struggling to survive.

Dr Ali warns that by cutting off tobacco, a major money-maker in off licences, they will be hit even harder.

The report also maps out which regions will be most affected by the ban, as he predicts consequences wont be proportionate.

Scotland and Wales will bear the brunt of the effects, with 5 per cent of retailers at risk of closing in Scotland and 3.4 per cent in Wales.

Rishi Sunak attempted to bring in a smoking ban in early 2024 but was met with a lot of pushback from Conservative MPs.

Kier Starmer also faced furious Brits after announcing a ban on vaping and smoking in pub gardens – which was rescinded.

Many however call for a flat-out ban of smoking immediately due to its contribution to lung cancer.

The NHS says smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for more than seven out of 10 cases

A government spokesman said: “We are rightly delivering the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, creating the first smoke-free generation and ending the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.

“It’s absolutely vital that we support local retailers and get Britain’s high street thriving again, which is why we will be producing guidance to support them through these changes.

“We will protect the smallest businesses from the employer National Insurance rise and late payments, and capping corporation tax. We are also protecting retailers and small businesses by providing 40 per cent business rates relief next year and a new permanent lower business rate from 2026.”

FEARS are growing for a young British tourist who has been missing for over a month.

Daniel Davies, 26, from Llanelli, Wales, was last seen on March 13 on the popular tourist island of Koh Phi Phi in southern Thailand.

AsiaPacificPress via ViralPress

AsiaPacificPress via ViralPress

He was last seen on the island of Koh Phi Phi[/caption]

AsiaPacificPress via ViralPress

His family say they have not heard anything from him in over four weeks[/caption]

Daniel had been staying at the Hangover Hostel in Bangkok before his disappearance.

His desperate family say that it is “highly out of character” for Daniel to have not reached out to them in over a month.

They have filed a missing person‘s report with Dyfed-Powys Police, but officers in Southeast Asia are yet to locate him.

Daniel’s aunt Nicola Doran said: “My nephew Daniel Davies has gone missing in Bangkok, Thailand.

“He’s been reported and is now a missing person.

“No one has had any contact in weeks.”

Friend Lucia Froom added: “Daniel’s phone is switched off and no one has heard from him in weeks, which isn’t like him at all.

“If anyone knows anyone in Thailand or is planning a trip there soon, can people please keep an eye out for him.”

Police in the UK said that Daniel is described as around 6ft tall, of slim build, with blonde hair and a beard.

He is also described as having distinctive tattoo sleeves on both arms.

Missing persons charity Echoes of the Lost has joined in on the appeal, along with SARS Cymru.

The charity said: “Daniel, if you happen to see this post, please get in contact with your family.

“They are worried.

“If you wish to message us to pass information along, please feel free to do so.”

The Sun has contacted the FCDO and Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.

AsiaPacificPress via ViralPress

Daniel Davies, 26, has been missing for over a month[/caption]

A WOMAN was left battling a serious drug-resistant skin infection that oozed pus for weeks after bathing in shallow seawater at a holiday hotspot.

Medics who treated the 74-year-old traced it to a rare marine bacteria that can resist antibiotics and linger deep in the flesh.

Getty

While swimming in the sea in Valencia with an open wound, the woman’s open wound swelled and began oozing pus[/caption]

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Doctors found a soft tissue infection called Shewanella putrefaciens under the skin of her leg[/caption]

The woman, from Italy, had scraped her shin two weeks earlier when she fell onto some rocks.

After swimming with the open wound in the shallow waters of Valencia, Spain, it quickly began to swell and discharge pus.

When she got home she headed to San Paolo Hospital in Milan where doctors found a soft tissue infection called Shewanella putrefaciens under the skin of her leg.

It is a seawater-dwelling bug that’s rarely seen in humans.

This bacterium is known for its ability to survive both in saltwater and in human tissue, making it particularly dangerous for those with open wounds or weakened immune systems.

Doctors used an ultrasound to get a better look at the infection, which was about the size of a large smartphone and stretched nearly 10cm long.

It showed that the infection wasn’t just confined to the surface of the skin but had spread into the deeper tissues underneath, which often makes it harder to treat.

The unidentified woman was given amoxicillin, a first-line antibiotic, and underwent wound cleaning, but her symptoms failed to improve.

Despite no fever or signs of spreading infection, the lesion refused to heal for weeks.

A second-line antibiotic, ciprofloxacin was prescribed, but the woman stopped after five days due to side effects.

Writing about the case in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, the authors said: “Wastewater discharged from treatment plants and facilities into the sea, which contains antibiotics and heavy metals, may play a role in the development of antibiotic resistance.”

Fortunately, by then the infection had begun to resolve itself, and the wound eventually closed.

But she was left with lingering ankle swelling, likely caused by lymphatic damage, doctors said.

Journal of Medical Case Reports

The wound healed – but she he was left with lingering ankle swelling[/caption]

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