A strong start
It’s official. The Government has now started a public consultation on whether the UK should follow in Australia’s footsteps by adopting the plain packaging of tobacco products.
This is great news, and certainly a step in the right direction, as the Government will now seek the opinion of experts and feedback from the general public before producing new legislation. So it’s essential that we get as many people as possible to sign up and show their support for plain packaging before the end of the consultation period on the 10th July.
Remember, the more our voice is heard at this stage the stronger the chance of us making plain packaging law. So if you haven’t yet shown your support, please join the tens of thousands of people who have, and sign up today.
Australia is leading the way
The Australian Government has proposed legislation mandating that all tobacco products must be sold in plain packaging in Australia by December 1st 2012 - the first country in the world to make this commitment.
This has been led by their Government with support from the general public.
Minister for Health and Ageing in Australia, Nicola Roxon said:
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One of the most momentous public health measures in Australia's history has been delivered by the Australian Parliament - legislation requiring the plain packaging of tobacco products...
We know that packaging remains one of the last powerful marketing tools for tobacco companies to recruit new smokers to their deadly products. In the future, cigarette packets will serve only as a stark reminder of the devastating health effects.
New Zealand is 'actively considering' following Australia's lead and introducing plain tobacco packaging also.
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