Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister, responding to reports that Health Minister Jane Ellison has admitted that the much-delayed consultation on standardised packaging for tobacco is being held up by No10 Downing St, said:

“In an extraordinary admission, we now know that the standardised packaging hold-up comes from Downing Street. This raises further questions over the influence of David Cameron’s Chief Political Strategist and big tobacco lobbyist Lynton Crosby. It is now essential we are told why the Government has not yet acted and what role Mr Crosby has played behind the scenes.

“There can be no excuse for further delay - the Government must bring forward the regulations it promised months ago. This is what Parliament has voted for concerned health professionals want and what people up and down the country support.

“David Cameron must do the right thing, and not cave in to vested interests and stand up for the wrong people.”

Ends

Editor’s Note:

Mail on Sunday: ”Plain cigarette packets ‘blocked by Cameron’, admits health minister” - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2658157/Plain-cigarette-packets-blocked-Cameron-admits-health-minister-Campaigners-believe-best-way-stop-attraction-habit.html