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22/01/2015
Call For Plain Tobacco Packaging
Health Minister Jim Wells has been called upon to push for standardised cigarette packaging in Northern Ireland, ahead of a Westminster vote on the issue expected in May.
The proposals would see the removal of branding on all cigarette packaging sold in the UK. The new law could be in force as early as 2016.
Wales has voted to accept Westminster legislation on the matter, with Scotland and Northern Ireland also expected to vote on whether to back the proposals.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan welcomed the move and said that he would "urge Health Minister Jim Wells to follow suit.
"The more compatible, comparable and consistent the legislation is across these islands the better – not least in terms of counterfeiting," he said. "Cigarette packaging is one of the last forms of marketing that tobacco companies can still use to attract new customers. Indeed, Australia is leading the way in stopping people from becoming addicted to smoking.
"If we care about the health of people in our community then we should introduce plain, standardised packaging as soon as possible, and help stop the next generation of smokers being recruited."
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "I am very pleased that proposals to introduce plain cigarette packaging in England have been brought forward and I hope all MPs will support it. It is now imperative that the Health Minister introduces similar plans in Northern Ireland.
"We have seen several different initiatives in recent years to reduce the level of smoking, such as removing cigarette displays in shops and the smoking ban. I believe that plain packaging must also be adopted.
"We must do all that is possible to encourage more people to give up smoking to improve the public's health, as well as reducing the strain on our hospitals."
(IT/MH)
The proposals would see the removal of branding on all cigarette packaging sold in the UK. The new law could be in force as early as 2016.
Wales has voted to accept Westminster legislation on the matter, with Scotland and Northern Ireland also expected to vote on whether to back the proposals.
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan welcomed the move and said that he would "urge Health Minister Jim Wells to follow suit.
"The more compatible, comparable and consistent the legislation is across these islands the better – not least in terms of counterfeiting," he said. "Cigarette packaging is one of the last forms of marketing that tobacco companies can still use to attract new customers. Indeed, Australia is leading the way in stopping people from becoming addicted to smoking.
"If we care about the health of people in our community then we should introduce plain, standardised packaging as soon as possible, and help stop the next generation of smokers being recruited."
Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "I am very pleased that proposals to introduce plain cigarette packaging in England have been brought forward and I hope all MPs will support it. It is now imperative that the Health Minister introduces similar plans in Northern Ireland.
"We have seen several different initiatives in recent years to reduce the level of smoking, such as removing cigarette displays in shops and the smoking ban. I believe that plain packaging must also be adopted.
"We must do all that is possible to encourage more people to give up smoking to improve the public's health, as well as reducing the strain on our hospitals."
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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16 April 2012
Talks Begin For Plain Packaging On Tobacco
Health Minister Edwin Poots has lent his support to a UK-wide consultation on whether tobacco products should be sold in standardised, or plain packaging.
Talks Begin For Plain Packaging On Tobacco
Health Minister Edwin Poots has lent his support to a UK-wide consultation on whether tobacco products should be sold in standardised, or plain packaging.
06 August 2012
DUP Politicans Clash Over Tobacco Packaging
TWO senior DUP politicians have clashed over plans to bring in plain tobacco packaging, the News Letter has reported. Health minister Edwin Poots has endorsed the Westminster plan for plain standardised tobacco packaging, but North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the idea was "ludicrous".
DUP Politicans Clash Over Tobacco Packaging
TWO senior DUP politicians have clashed over plans to bring in plain tobacco packaging, the News Letter has reported. Health minister Edwin Poots has endorsed the Westminster plan for plain standardised tobacco packaging, but North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said the idea was "ludicrous".
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
23 January 2014
NI In Line For Plain Cigarette Packaging
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK law that will see plain packaging introduced for tobacco products. It was initially feared that the Executive would miss a deadline set by the government to pass a motion allowing Westminster the power to act on behalf of Northern Ireland.
NI In Line For Plain Cigarette Packaging
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK law that will see plain packaging introduced for tobacco products. It was initially feared that the Executive would miss a deadline set by the government to pass a motion allowing Westminster the power to act on behalf of Northern Ireland.
05 February 2009
Cigarettes To Go 'Under The Counter'
Cigarettes are to disappear from view across all NI's shops. The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has confirmed plans to remove cigarette displays in shops in a move to prevent underage access.
Cigarettes To Go 'Under The Counter'
Cigarettes are to disappear from view across all NI's shops. The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has confirmed plans to remove cigarette displays in shops in a move to prevent underage access.
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