SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has tabled a parliamentary motion at Westminster calling on the British and Irish governments to use the British-Irish Council (BIC) to ensure standardised graphic packaging, without brand logos, on all tobacco products.
Mr Durkan said: “The Irish Cabinet has now endorsed draft legislation to ensure standardised graphic packaging, without brand logos, on all tobacco products.
“Only two months ago (in April) the British government also committed to bringing forward similar legislation following the unambiguous findings of the independent review led by Sir Cyril Chantler and his strong public health case for standardised tobacco packaging.
“I recognise that such measures are promised significant oppposition – including legal challenges – from vested commercial interests. Nevertheless,
“I would strongly encourage both the UK and Irish governments to use the British-Irish Council (BIC) to co-ordinate and mutually reinforce such significant advances in public health policy.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “Indeed, I firmly believe that the BIC can also engage all relevant devolved policy responsibilities in the context of work to enhance the compatibility and comparability of respective legislative measures across these islands.”
