A free event to highlight a campaign to encourage plain packaging for cigarettes is being held in Holbeck and supported by Hilary Benn MP.
The Plain Packs Protect campaign says every year 340,000 children and young people are tempted to try smoking. Two thirds of smokers start before the age of 18 and in England, around 150,000 children aged 11 – 15 are smokers.
Every year over 100,000 smokers in the UK die from smoking related causes and around half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their addiction.
A spokesperson for the campaign said:
“Research has shown that children are more likely to be attracted by designed tobacco packs than plain tobacco packs. Shiny holograms, pretty pastel colours and wrappers are just some of the eye catching pack designs available and there is building evidence to suggest that these packs can attract and mislead children.”
The campaign claims plain packaging of tobacco products could reduce the amount of children smoking by;
Making tobacco products look less attractive
- Increasing the effectiveness of health warnings
- Preventing the use of misleading and deceptive colours to create false beliefs of different strength and quality
- Removing the positive association with cigarette brands and image
The government is currently consulting on plain packaging and you can support the movement by;
Visiting Plain Packaging Campaign – Sign up for Plain Cigarette Packs or attending a free event to meet local MP Hilary Benn and show your support on Friday 6th July, 11.30am-1.30pm at St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck. There will be free activities and Refreshments for all.
