UK: Calls for Tougher Tobacco Packaging Laws

Source from:  Reading Chronicle 07/16/2013

READING'S council health leader has launched a rallying cry for the borough to lobby Prime Minister David Cameron to introduce laws forcing tobacco firms to sell cigarettes in plain packaging.

Graeme Hoskin brought forward a motion at last month's full council meeting calling for councillors to write to Mr Cameron outlining disappointment that legislation was left out of the Queen's Speech.

Cllr Hoskin said: "We need legislation to be introduced as soon as is practical. This is not about politics, it is about doing something that is good for the health of people."

Packaging cigarettes in plain boxes has been introduced in Australia, where the brand name is in uniform type and packets are printed with graphic images of the effects of smoking.

The Government launched a consultation in April last year on introducing similar measures in Britain, but that closed in August and it has not yet responded.

Independent Mark Ralph warned that "very careful controls" would have to be installed to prevent counterfeiting, but Labour's Bet Tickner said: "This would help lessen the pressure on the NHS, which is still great."

Councillors also unanimously agreed to write to Reading MPs Rob Wilson and Alok Sharma urging them to put pressure on the Government. Cllr Hoskin said: "This will make a difference and it is something we very much need to do." Enditem