Plain nonsense says MEP

Plans for cigarettes to be sold only in plain packaging have been lambasted by local MEP Paul Nuttall.

"If those behind the idea think it will deter smokers they need to think again.

"In fact research shows that ironically it is more likely to lead to more tobacco consumption," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader.

He made his comments at the start of a public consultation on plain packaging for tobacco products.

"A report by consultancy London Economics following an online poll of 3,000 UK residents shows that removing brand imagery leads consumers to shift their preferences away from premium brands towards cheaper alternatives. This in turn would make cigarettes more affordable and consumption would rise," he said.

"It is also feared that plain packaging will be easier to counterfeit and the black market will increase. Instead of trying to deter youngsters from taking up the habit by changing packaging it would be better to concentrate on education.

"And I do not think that the ban on displaying tobacco products in large stores will prevent under-age smoking either.

"Hiding cigarettes behind a cabinet where the display is revealed only when a customer makes a purchase runs the risk of driving up teenage demand.

"I worry where this nanny state will end. How long will it be before alcohol or even sugary foods, such as cake and chocolate, are also placed in closed cabinets?"