Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister, responding to the Government statement on the standardised packing review said:

“We welcome the fact today’s review confirms what public health experts have been arguing for some time – standardised packaging makes cigarettes less attractive to young people and could help save lives.

"Over seventy thousand children will have taken up smoking since the Government announced the review. And today the Minister has announced yet another consultation.

"There is an overwhelming body of evidence in favour of standardised packaging and there can be no excuse for further delay. How many more children are going to take up smoking before this Government takes firm and decisive action?

"This is yet another example of how this Government is caving in to vested interests and standing up for the wrong people.”