Cigarette packaging law before election

The government has said it will press ahead with the introduction of non-branded cigarette packaging in England, with legislation being introduced before the general election in May. Public Health Minister Jane Ellison told MPs the move was likely to have a positive impact on public health, particularly for children.

Doctors have said the move would save thousands of lives. Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, said: “I have reviewed all the evidence, and agree that standardised packaging would be a positive move for public health, particularly the role it could play in helping to prevent the uptake of smoking by children.”