Lords’ move reignites debate on plain cigarette packaging

Lord Patel of Bradford, Baroness O’Cathain, Lord Walton of Detchant and Lord Faulkner of Worcester have tabled amendments to the Health Bill at the committee stage in the House of Lords that would allow the Health Secretary to ban or restrict the sale or supply of tobacco products if they are sold in packs that do not comply with the regulations.

The Health Secretary would also be allowed to impose restrictions on the colour of cigarette packs, their shape and material, the trademarks displayed on them and any labelling used, if the amendments are agreed.

Martin Dockrell, director of research and policy at Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), told Packaging News that the idea of using plain packaging on cigarettes, far from going away, was picking up a head of steam and also had political support in the Commons with 52 MPs signing an early day motion.

Ash said last year that tobacco packaging should be standardised “so all attractive and promotional aspects are removed, save the brand name”.

However, the Tobacco Manufacturers Association countered that plain packaging could lead to more counterfeit cigarettes entering the UK and potentially breach the intellectual property rights of brands.

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