Still want to introduce plain packaging, Mr Cameron?
Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 9:45 Remarkable report in The Sun today.
I'm in meetings most of the day so haven't got time to comment but if the Government includes plain packaging in the Queen's Speech this morning I'll be astounded.
The result of The Sun investigation is extraordinary and the paper's report - published over two pages - includes some amazing quotes.
According to one Indonesian counterfeiter, "We can make [plain packs] cheaper but sell for the same price."
Mocking David Cameron, he added: "Plain packaging ... I support the UK Government!"
You couldn't make it up.
As we've been saying for a long, long time, any rush to regulation without proper consideration of all possible consequences would be hugely irresponsible.
Full report here: Sun smokes out Mr Cig - investigation shows criminal gangs will net a fortune from plain packs.
Update: No reference to plain packaging in Queen's Speech. No reason why it should have been - it doesn't need primary legislation to be implemented - but inclusion would have been a further signal of intent, which is why Labour wanted it in.
Reader Comments (4)
This is such an obvious consequence for any plain packaging. It's akin to having simple banknotes with "forge me" written on them in large, bold letters. This coupled with no scientific studies on the allure or not of fancy packaging suggests plain packaging is a very, very stupid idea. I'm sure the WTO will have something to say about it too.
It's not about what makes good common sense, it's not about protecting children. Plain packaging is wanted by the anti-smoker industry because they want to destroy tobacco companies and criminalise adult consumers.
Labour's fallen for the scam because quite frankly Labour is idiotic. And if Bully Berger was chosen from an All Woman Shortlist then Cherie Blair says it's because she's a less exceptional person than others. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/10853565/Cherie-Booth-Help-less-exceptional-women-with-quotas.html
If this is so, we could hardly expect any real analytical or critical thought processes to go into her knee-jerk policy making which results in only solution - "ban it, ban it, ban it - Yaayyy - we won."
Does Cameron want to lose GE2015? If so he should remember #WeSmokeWeVote #NoMoreBans and #No2PlainPacks
From ASH news today; with reference to plain packaging not being included in Queen's speech,
"[Editorial comment: There is no requirement for a new bill since the Children and Families Act gives the Health Secretary powers to bring in standard packaging, and draft regulations are expected to be published shortly.]"
What do you make of this, Simon?
Jonathan, it's correct. However some advocates of plain packaging were hoping for a further commitment to plain packaging in the Queen's Speech and they didn't get it. As things stand the Government is still "minded" to introduce plain packs but that is not a definitive commitment.
Meanwhile, as ASH report, correctly, we await publication of the regulations (which were expected by the end of April) and another "final short consultation". The battle is neither won nor lost, hence the importance of writing to David Cameron to make your views known - see www.noprimeminister.org.uk