STOCKPORT, U.K. -- CHESHIRE-based children’s charity chairman Pamela Barnes has welcomed the news that cigarettes could be sold in plain packaging by 2015 following an about-turn by Prime Minister David Cameron.

And she said she was delighted that the Government had chosen leading paediatrician Sir Cyril Chantler to lead a review which will decide whether a plain packaging policy would help reduce the number of people, including children, who become addicted to tobacco.

“Action for Sick Children supports any initiative that will result in fewer people, including children, falling victim to the perils of smoking,” said Mrs Barnes, speaking from her Disley home. “We are also pleased that a paediatrician of the caliber of Sir Cyril has been appointed to head-up the review.

“Sir Cyril Chantler will be familiar with the terrible health consequences of smoking and the need to prevent children being attracted to an addiction that can ruin lives.”

The review will focus on a pilot scheme in Australia which in 2011 became the first country to legislate for plain cigarette packs.

Mr Cameron appeared to distance himself from plain packaging in the summer when he said further evidence was needed to show whether it would be effective. Then the Government said it was waiting to see how plain packaging worked in Australia, which introduced the measures a year ago.

Labour has called for immediate action and "not another review."

Cancer Research estimates about 200,000 people, mainly youngsters, start smoking every year.

For further information click onto: www.actionforsickchildren.org

ENDS


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