Two weeks ago Stephen Williams MP, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health, wrote on this blog:
"Whether you like it or not the Coalition Government is about to launch a consultation on plain packs. I hope you and your friends will be able to rise to the debate."
Now, I always like a challenge and in response to Stephen's comment I am delighted to report that Forest has today launched a brand new website, Hands Off Our Packs (or HOOP, for short).
I invite you to pop over there now. Among other things you will find the latest news about plain packaging (it's more interesting than you think) plus a dedicated blog featuring initial contributions from Chris Snowdon (Velvet Glove Iron Fist) and me. Comments are extremely welcome.
You'll find some well known names lending their support – plus a Further Reading page with links to articles, blogs and websites.
Later this week we'll reveal the Hands Off Our Packs campaign team (recruited at vast expense!). The team will be responsible for keeping the HOOP blog up-to-date but we will be introducing some guest bloggers too.
It's only a start but I hope we have made our intentions clear. More important, if Stephen Williams was worried that we might not "rise to the debate", I trust we have put his mind at rest.
See: Plain talking (Velvet Glove Iron Fist)
Oh, and check out our Facebook page. Click if you 'Like'.
Simon Clark