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Last Updated: Aug 29th, 2007 - 16:19:40 |
Cigarette packet images
Aug 29, 2007, 16:17
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Health campaigners have welcomed the decision by the Department of Health to place shocking images of the health effects of smoking on all tobacco products. The decision, which comes into effect from October next year, has also drawn criticism from the pro-smoking lobby which argues that smokers are being victimised. It is the latest step in attempts to reduce the number of smokers, and thereby the number of smoking-related illnesses and deaths. A total of 15 images have been chosen following consultation, public vote and market research. The UK is the first country in the EU to place such pictures on all tobacco products; Belgium has already adopted picture warnings but these are found only on cigarettes while Romania and Finland plan to implement picture warnings on cigarettes next year. Health secretary Alan Johnson said the pictures are a "vital step" in encouraging people to quit smoking and to not take up the habit. "Today's announcement, together with the introduction of the smokefree law last month and our plans to raise the legal age of sale for tobacco products, will potentially save thousands of lives and others will be spared the misery of watching family and friends die prematurely from smoke-related illnesses," he added. Chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said by deterring people from smoking the pictures should "free significant NHS staff and facilities to treat other conditions that are harder to prevent".
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