Plain packaging: the bigger picture

As expected peers yesterday approved the bill to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes from May 2016.

As Chris Snowdon commented on Twitter, at least there was a debate. They didn't bother to vote though because the outcome was a foregone conclusion.

Newsweek Europe published this report, UK Passes Law to Require Plain Cigarette Packaging in England. It includes comments from ASH, Imperial Tobacco, and Forest:

We've heard very little from the food and drink industries on this issue but their time will come.

I had to laugh, too, when the Confederation of British Industry finally broke cover and issued a statement opposing standardised packaging on the very day that MPs voted on the bill.

Better late than never or too little too late? You decide.

Anyway, lots to catch up on. You'll be pleased to know I won't be writing about plain packaging quite so often over the next few weeks.

Update: A Big Thank You! to everyone who supported our campaign against plain packaging of tobacco.