Queen’s Speech a missed opportunity to reduce youth smoking, says Fresh
Statement from Ailsa Rutter, director of Fresh in response to the Queen’s Speech:
“We are disappointed at the missed opportunity to include standardised tobacco packaging in the Queen’s Speech, but we hope the Government will still listen to the strong evidence that it will reduce the lure of smoking.
“While nothing is done, 9,000 North East children will start smoking each year and tobacco multinationals will be able to attract young people to an addictive, lethal product through glamorous packs, slims and glossy holograms.
“Last year there was massive public support to end tobacco promotion from more than 13,500 people and 129 organisations in the North East, including every local authority. Many smokers also support moves to protect young people from starting to smoke.
“Fresh will continue to work with doctors, MPs, local authorities and charities including ASH, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation to push for the introduction of standardised plain tobacco packaging to protect our young people in the future.”