Cigarette packets: Independent review before action

The Government has not yet committed to the introduction of plain cigarette packaging, announcing an independent review, to be undertaken by Sir Cyril Chantler, which it will assess in March 2014.

New laws banning branding on cigarette packets will then be introduced if the report finds sufficient evidence to support it, the Government said.

Health Minister Jane Ellison said: "I believe the time is right to seek an independent view on whether the introduction of standardised packaging is likely to have an effect on public health. In particular, I want to know about the likely impact on young people."

However, Shadow Health Minister Luciana Berger told the BBC the further delay was "a U-turn on a U-turn".