The Government is to fast-track legislation to introduce 'plain' packaging for cigarettes by 2016. After a series of public consultations on the issue, MPs will be asked to vote on the plan before the General Election.

The Stirling Review published in April 2014 - an independent review of public health evidence for standardised tobacco packaging - found that standardised packaging is less appealing than branded packaging; that graphic and text health warnings are more credible and memorable on standardised packaging; and that products in standardised packages are more likely to be perceived as harmful than those in branded packaging with colours and descriptors.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has welcomed the news. The Association has campaigned vigorously for action on plain packs and is a member of the Smokefree Action Coalition and a supporter of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

The BDA's Scientific Adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, said: 'Action on plain packs is great news for the future of Britain's oral health. Distinctive packaging remains one of the tobacco industry's top promotional tools, so there was never any excuse for delaying this initiative. In Australia the evidence shows that plain packs are already helping make smoking less attractive. Taking the sheen off tobacco is an essential step to helping smokers break the habit, and preventing the next generation reaching for their first cigarette.'