SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan voted in favour of the introduction of a new plain cigarette packaging law in this week’s historic vote in Parliament – which aims to protect the next generation of smokers from taking up the habit.
Mark Durkan
Although health is normally a devolved matter, the law will apply to Northern Ireland if passed in the House of Lords next week, and the new rules are expected to take effect from May next year.
Mr Durkan, who has consistently supported the campaign at Westminster calling on the government to take the lead of their Australian counterparts and introduce plain cigarette packaging throughout the UK, said, “I welcome the majority vote taken this week by MPs in favour of introducing a new cigarette packaging law.
“Cigarette packaging is one of the last forms of marketing that tobacco companies can still use to attract new customers.
“Indeed, this move marks the last line of stylised marketing and soft focus branding of tobacco here.
“I am therefore delighted the introduction of this new law will help stop the next generation of smokers being recruited.”
