MPs vote to enforce standardised cigarette packaging

Controversial regulations enforcing standardised tobacco packaging have been approved by MPs by 367 to 113, in a landmark free vote in the House of Commons.

Peers will be asked to vote on the regulations on Monday and, if they approve them as expected, the new rules will come into force in May 2016.

The regulations have been bitterly opposed by some on the Conservative benches and the number of 'No' votes is higher than had been forecast.

David Cameron's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister voted in favour of this change. He is pleased that it has gone through."

Asked if the PM was disappointed at the number of Conservative MPs voting against plain tobacco packaging, the spokesman said: "The whole point of a free vote is that people can express their views freely."