Does packaging kill?

150 of my constituents die every year as a result of a smoking-related illness. The figure nationally is 100,000.

What tobacco companies know is that they need to constantly recruit new smokers in order to stay in business. With that in mind one of the most concerning statistics is that 15% of 15oyear-olds report being regular smokers.

Advertising of tobacco products on television and in print is banned but there is one last refuge where tobacco companies compete for new recruits — tobacco packaging.

Recently, Smokefree South West met with me to discuss the issue of packaging. They are campaigning for tobacco products to be sold in so-called 'plain packaging' that would see packaging standardised between brands with the only differentiation being that each company would provide its brand name on the pack in a standardised typeface.

The packs would be made to look as unattractive as possible —the idea being that this will stop people starting to smoke, especially children.

During my meeting we reviewed existing packs with neat flip-tops (for younger males?), an exquisite packet looking like a top-end lipstick holder with slender cigarettes inside (aimed at young women) and a pack with figures traced out in what resembles pieces of Lego (wonder who that's targeted at?).

Those against plain packaging argue that these different packs are not about inducing new people into smoking but are about encouraging people to switch between brands. But surely if a pack is able to lure someone into switching brands then it will be good at luring a non-smoker into starting?

The Government has concluded a consultation on this and will bring forward proposals. I think we should embrace plain packaging but what do you think? Let me know at [email protected]">[email protected]