Welcome for standardised packaging vote

ASH Scotland has warmly welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that MPs will vote on regulations for the introduction of plain, standardised tobacco packaging before the General Election in May. MPs have previously supported plain packaging by a significant majority.

ASH Scotland Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said:

“We are delighted that sustained campaigning by the public health community has finally secured a firm Coalition Government commitment to moving forward with this important measure, which will help protect our children from the harms caused by tobacco.

“The introduction of standardised packaging will help Scotland achieve our aim of a tobacco-free generation by 2034.

“Glamorous packaging is one of the last bastions of advertising for a vile industry whose profits depend on hooking in the next generation.

"In the face of a determined and expensive rearguard action by Big Tobacco and its allies, we are pleased that the Westminster Government has not been scared off by a deceitful industry and its array of front groups and lobbyists.

“In Australia where this measure was introduced in 2012, there are clear signs of early success. The Australian government confirms that illicit product has not increased, while the number of cigarettes bought per person has fallen. Consumption of cigarettes and tobacco in the first quarter of 2014 was the lowest ever, and a national survey for 2013/14 showed that the proportion of daily smokers aged 14 or older in dropped from 16.6% in 2007 to 12.8% in 2013.

“MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the measure when the initial legislation was passed. We expect to see similar support when they come to vote on the detailed regulations.”

Every day 40 young people in Scotland take up smoking while nearly two-thirds of smokers start before they are 18. 

Evidence shows that standardised packaging will help cut the number of young people who smoke by removing glitzy branding and designs from packs to make them less attractive.