Govt urged to introduce standard cigarette packs

The government has been urged to introduce standard cigarette packs, or they will “fail” the next generation.

The Community Practioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association told the Press Association that thousands of children’s lives will be put in danger if ministers do not launch the policy.

Officials have considered the move for over a year, though reports have suggested that the government is scrapping plans for manufacturers to sell their tobacco products in plain packets.

Ros Godson, professional officer for public health at the association, told the news provider: “The litmus test will be if the government has proposals for the appropriate legislation in the Queen's Speech tomorrow.

“If ministers walk away from this issue - when Cancer Research UK evidence shows that 570 children in the UK take up smoking every day - they will have failed this and the next generation of young people.Thousands of children's lives will be put at risk - and the scarce resources of the NHS will be stretched even further.”

Australia is one country that has embraced uniform packaging, with packets sold in a standardised colour with only the brand names and graphic warnings on display.

The Smokefree Action Coalition last week wrote to David Cameron to persuade him to introduce the same policy in the UK.

The medical benefits of quitting smoking are vast, with a study published in the Science of Translational Medicine Journal finding that reducing tobacco consumption could decrease the worldwide impact of cancer.

As well as this, the journal included the findings of the first ever meeting between senior executives of cancer research organisations throughout the world.

It is recommended that higher taxes are placed on the sale of tobacco products, while increased marketing of the products should be prevented.

Posted by Ben Evans