UK ‘could lose tough reputation on tobacco controls’

In recent years the UK was ranked top out of all countries 
in the European Union for its tough stance on smoking and tobacco.

But Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said that there is a danger that Ireland will “snatch the crown” after Irish officials said that they will force tobacco manufacturers to use plain boxes emblazoned with graphic images under tough new laws.

Last April, the UK Government launched a consultation on plans to introduce mandatory standardised packaging for tobacco products.

Health experts have welcomed the proposal, saying that brightly coloured packs were the last marketing ploy used by tobacco companies to entice young people to start smoking. But opponents claimed it would lead to increased smuggling and job losses.

In December, Australia became the first country in the world to put all tobacco products in uniform packs. Cigarette packets and other products are all sold in a standardised colour, with only the brand name and graphic warnings 
visible.

It was widely expected for the measure to be introduced during the Queen’s Speech earlier this month, but reports suggest that ministers shied away from the move at the last minute.

The Department of Health says that it has still not taken a decision about the initiative and experts are still looking into the responses drawn from the consultation.

However, speaking on World Tobacco Day, ASH chief executive Deborah Arnott said: “For every day that Westminster dithers, another 570 children will take up smoking.

“There is no excuse for any further delay. The UK Government should follow Ireland’s example and bring forward legislation to stop the promotion of tobacco via cigarette packs. It’s popular and effective: now Parliament should be allowed to decide.”