Cigarette packaging opposition 'growing in Tory ranks'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31014825

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The government is facing growing opposition from some Tory MPs over its plans to introduce standardised cigarette packaging in England.

Up to 100 Conservatives could vote against the proposal when MPs are given a free vote on the issue next month, opponents believe, says BBC political correspondent Carole Walker.

If approved by Parliament by May, a new law could be in force by 2016.

Ministers and health groups say the change will save thousands of lives.

Wales has already voted to accept any Westminster legislation on the matter, with Scotland and Northern Ireland expected to vote on whether or not to back the move.

'Black market increase'

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison announced last week that the government was to proceed with proposals to ban branded images on cigarette packets, with the law to be changed before May's general election.

Ms Ellison had told the House of Commons that evidence pointed to standardised packaging having a positive impact but warned that there could be a legal challenge from the cigarette industry.

BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said many MPs had been "taken by surprise" by the move and that several Conservatives had already spoken out about the plan.

She said: "MPs will have a free vote on the issue and with the Labour and Liberal Democrat leadership both supporting the move, the government should be able to get its plans through.

"But a number of Conservative MPs are angry at what they see as an an intrusion on personal liberty and the free market.

"Others fear is could lead to an increase in black market cigarettes and be open to legal challenge from the tobacco companies."

'Badly wrong'

A review of the public health implications of standardised packaging last year by Sir Cyril Chantler concluded it was very likely their introduction would lead to a modest but important reduction in the uptake and prevalence of smoking.

Labour has already pledged to ban images on packets if it wins power.

The proposed design of the standardised packs had yet to be decided but the Department of Health has released some examples of how they may look.

Conservative MP for Enfield North Nick de Bois said the move could go "badly, badly wrong".

Writing for the Daily Telegraph website, he said that "standardised packaging - on top of an existing display ban - will be of little additional value".

He added: "What is to prevent the growth of black market cigarettes when there is no longer any distinguishing packaging characteristics for the consumer to care about?"