15/07/2013

Govt Shelves Plans For Plain Cigarette Packaging

The government have announced that plans to introduce plain cigarette packaging have been shelved.

In a written statement to MPs, the Department of Health said it wanted more time to study the effect of similar legislation in Australia, after which it will re-evaluate plans for standardised packaging in the UK.

Critics have said that the climb down is "bitterly disappointing", with Cancer Research saying that it would cost lives.

It is claimed that Downing was concerned about the impact the legislation would have on jobs, with Conservative MP Mark Field, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the decision to postpone was "sensible and pragmatic".

(MH)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 March 2015
MPs To Vote On Plain Cigarette Packaging
MPs will vote later today, Wednesday, on the proposed introduction of plain cigarette packaging. If passed, the new law will see cigarettes packaging standardised for all brands, with the brand name accompanied by health warnings and graphic photos.
12 March 2015
MPs Pass Plain Packaging Legislation
From May next year cigarette packaging will be standardised in England after MPs voted in favour of the new legislation. Under the new law, which has still to be approved by the House of Lords, all cigarette brands will come in the same packaging, featuring a brand and variety name, alongside health warnings and graphic pictures.
22 January 2015
Plain Cigarette Packaging Vote Brought Forward
MPs will vote on a proposed law to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes before the next general election. Public Health Minister Jane Ellison, said that "all the evidence" pointed to the move having a positive impact on public health. The move however is expected to be strongly opposed by the cigarette industry.
28 November 2013
Govt To Carry Out New Review Plain Cigarette Packaging
A new independent review of cigarette packaging in England is to be carried out, the government has announced. It follows previous reviews of how cigarettes are packaged and the influence that might have on young people taking up smoking.
13 April 2012
Plain Packaging For Cigarette Packs Consultation Begins Monday
A consultation on stripping all branding from cigarette packets is due to begin on Monday. Health minister Andrew Lansley told the Times he is “open minded” about putting this idea of plain packaging to the public.