Labour: Packets delay will see 70,000 take up smoking

Labour says that 70,000 people will take up smoking between now and March when the results of an independent review into the matter are assessed by the Government.

Speaking following the announcement of the review, Shadow Health Minister Lucian Berger questioned what further evidence the Government needs before bringing in the legislation.

"79,230 will have taken up smoking in the 139 days since the Government U-turned on standardised packaging in July and around 70,000 more will have had their first cigarette by the time the review reports in March next year," she said. "We should be legislating now, not delaying."