Commenting on news that the government will not introduce standardised packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products, Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said:
The RCP is deeply disappointed that the government has decided on this occasion not to implement standardised packaging for cigarettes. This is a major missed opportunity. However, because the evidence shows that standard packs are less attractive to young people, the Royal College of Physicians will continue to press for them to be introduced as part of its long-term campaign to protect young people from starting to smoke.
The RCP is a member of the Smokefree Action Coalition, which warns that any further delay in introducing standardised packaging for tobacco products will lead to more young people and children starting to smoke. More than 200,000 people under the age of 16 start to smoke every year.
Since the launch of the public consultation on standard tobacco packaging in April 2012, there has been a groundswell of support for the measure with nearly two-thirds of the public in favour.
Members of the Smokefree Action Coalition, including the RCP, are calling on the government to let Parliament decide on standardised tobacco packaging in a free vote.
For further information, please contact Andrew McCracken on +44 (0)203 075 1354 / 07990 745 608, or email andrew.mccracken@rcplondon.ac.uk