This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-26865693

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Minister set to make statement on cigarette packaging Government to move ahead with standardised cigarette packs
(about 2 hours later)
Public Health Minister Jane Ellison is set to make a statement to MPs on cigarette packaging at about 11:15 BST. The government is moving forward with plans to ban branding on cigarette packs in England, Public Health Minister Jane Ellison told MPs.
In November, the government launched an independent review of whether to bring in plain packaging of tobacco products in England. She said an independent report found it was "very likely to have a positive impact" on public health and stop children from starting to smoke.
Ms Ellison said then it was time to "examine the emerging evidence" on whether a policy shift would deter potential smokers. Ms Ellison said she was publishing draft regulations for a final, "short consultation".
Labour said immediate action was needed, "not another review". Australia introduced standardised packaging in 2011.
The report, by leading paediatrician Sir Cyril Chantler, examines the impact of the legislation in Australia on smoking rates.
Ms Ellison said about 200,000 children aged between 11 and 15 start smoking in the UK every year - about 6,000 a day
She told MPs: "If this rate of smoking by children was reduced even by 2%, for example, it would mean that 4,000 fewer children take up smoking each year.
"Sir Cyril's report makes a compelling case that if standardised packaging were introduced it would be very likely to have a positive impact on public health and that these health benefits would include health benefits for children."