22nd Jan 2015 06:56
LONDON (Alliance News) - UK Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said on Wednesday the government plans to vote on the introduction of standardised packaging for tobacco products before the General Election in May, with plans to implement the rules by May 2016.
Speaking in Commons, Ellison said the legislation would be put to a vote before the end of this parliament in April. The BBC reported that if the issue is voted on and passed by March, the government will be able to bring the new rules into force by the time the European Tobacco Products Directive comes into force in May 2016.
The new rules would specify mandatory colours for retail packaging for cigarettes, which would entail a "dull brown for the outside and white for the inside". Only specific text, such as the brand and variant name, would be permitted on the packaging, along with required markings such as health warnings and fiscal marks, such as covert markings or any future regulatory requirements which may be introduced to tackle illicit trade.
"Smoking remains one of our most significant public health challenges. It is a major cause of cancer, heart and respiratory disease and almost 80,000 people in England alone die every year from ill health caused by smoking. It places an enormous strain on the NHS," Ellison said.
"I now propose that we lay regulations for standardised packaging in this parliament to allow for them to come into force at the same time as the European Tobacco Products Directive in May 2016. In doing so we would be bringing the prospect of our first smoke-free generation one step closer," Ellison added.
The new legislation would affect London-listed British American Tobacco PLC and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, as well as other tobacco firms.
By Sam Unsted; [email protected]; @SamUAtAlliance
Copyright 2015 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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