UK Government urged to push ahead with standardised tobacco packaging

The British Heart Foundation has criticised the UK Government for dithering over plans to introduce standardised tobacco packaging, putting thousands of children’s heart health at risk.

Two years ago today Australia became the first country in the world to force all cigarettes and tobacco products to be sold in standardised packaging to dissuade children from taking up the habit.

In April, Public Health Minister Jane Ellison announced the UK would follow suit and become the first country in Europe to adopt the public health measure.

However, six months on and time is running out to approve the plans before the next general election.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “Smoking kills. It’s a deadly and addictive habit which dramatically increases your risk of a heart attack and stroke.

“Protecting children from taking up smoking by stripping cigarettes of their glitzy packaging is vital to safeguard them from these debilitating cardiovascular conditions.

“But the UK has been dragging its feet for two years too long, all the while hundreds more children have become hooked.

“Time is fast running out. The Government must take swift action before the next election to end the tobacco industry’s toxic influence on our young people.