Plain packaging for cigarettes: What to expect

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison has announced that the Government will be bringing forward legislation for standardised packaging on cigarettes before the May general election.

Here are some key elements of the legislation:

• The regulations only apply in England - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will need to introduce parallel rules to make them operate nationwide
• If agreed by Parliament, the plain packaging will be enforced from May 2016
• MPs are expected to be given a free vote on the issue, which means the regulation should pass despite opposition to plain packaging on the Conservative benches
• The standardised packaging will specify mandatory colours for retail packaging - insisting they must be dull brown outside and white inside
• Only specific text, such as a brand or variant name, will be allowed subject to particular requirement
• Health warnings and marks to prevent counterfeits will continue to be allowed
• The European Tobacco Products Directive will bring in a wider range of measures, including larger picture health warnings and a ban on flavourings