Statement on UK plain packaging proposals

22 January, 2015

We are very surprised and disappointed by the Government's decision to rush ahead with plain packaging legislation.  

After two years of the failed experiment in Australia there remains no credible evidence that plain packaging is having any impact on tobacco consumption rates. Illicit trade, however, has increased significantly.

It is regrettable that this issue has been caught up in knee-jerk electioneering at the expense of evidence-based policy making.  

As we've always said, we have a fundamental right to differentiate our brands from those of competitors. Legal action is always a last resort but when legislation is published we will be considering our options.  

Enquiries:
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC

Simon Evans, Group Press Officer
+44 (0)117 933 7375

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