Submission to the UK government plain packaging consultation
9 August 2012
British American Tobacco has handed in its submission to the Department of Health outlining its views regarding the topic of Plain Packaging of tobacco products in the UK.
Phil Morse, UK & Ireland General Manager for British American Tobacco, said in response:
“As we have outlined in our submission, we oppose plain packaging for many credible reasons. In fact, we believe the arguments against plain packaging are overwhelming. In particular, we are concerned that the Department of Health’s research into the potential benefits of plain packaging relies on insufficient and unreliable evidence that fails to prove the crucial link between packaging and any reduction in smoking.
“We welcome this consultation and the Government’s stated commitment to a transparent debate and consultation process. We hope the Government’s commitment to maintaining an open mind is demonstrated over the coming weeks and months.
“As a legitimate industry which employs thousands of people in the UK and raises billions in taxes for the Exchequer, all we are asking for is a fair, open, evidence-based debate regarding a serious issue that could have catastrophic unintended consequences.”
The British American Tobacco submission raised the following key arguments:
NB – The submission response follows the specific DOH questions.
UK standardised packaging consultation: Response of British American Tobacco UK Limited (1.6 mb)
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