MPs set to vote on introducing plain cigarette packaging

MPs are to hold a crucial vote later on controversial plans to introduce plain cigarette packets.

Powers for standardising packaging were in the Children and Families Act 2014, but the Commons must approve bringing them into force.

The regulations were discussed and agreed by a committee earlier this week and will now be subject to a free vote on the floor of the House. But as they are not primary legislation, there will be no further debate.

There have been suggestions that more than 80 Tories could be among those opposing the plans - which critics argue will not prevent people smoking, are being introduced too hastily, and could confuse consumers.