MP says Minister has listened and responded
Today in the House of Commons the Government announced that it had commissioned an independent review as to the merits of standardised tobacco packaging. This would compel tobacco manufacturers to use one single approved design for their products, a move which evidence suggests would reduce the take-up of smoking amongst young adults in particular. Earlier this year, the Government decided to delay its decision to legislate for these changes. As Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer, John Baron MP had previously called for this review.
John asked:
“I welcome this news and congratulate the Minister on commissioning this review. The All Party Group on Cancer and others have called for added urgency on this matter. The Government has listened and responded – this is a sign of strength not weakness.”
“However, can she give an assurance that regulations will be introduced by the end of this Parliament should the report find in favour of standardised packaging?”
Jane Ellison MP, The Minister for Public Health, gave that assurance.
John said afterwards:
“This is very welcome news. Not only do we now have a review into standardised packaging, but a Government promise that relevant recommendations will be actioned immediately afterwards. There are few others measures which would make such a difference to public health and reduce the large number of lung cancer deaths.”
Ends
Word Count: 239
Date: 28th November 2013
Notes to Editors
For further information please refer to a previous press release: ‘John Baron MP supports standardisation of tobacco packaging’ [8th November 2013]
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