BRITISH-IRISH COUNCIL AND TOBACCO PRODUCT PACKAGING

That this House notes that the Irish Cabinet has now endorsed draft legislation to ensure standardised graphic packaging, without brand logos, on all tobacco products; further notes the UK Government's undertaking to bring forward similar legislation following the unambiguous findings of the independent review led by Sir Cyril Chantler; recognises that such measures are promised significant oppposition, including legal challenges, from vested commercial interests; encourages both the UK and Irish governments to use the British-Irish Council (BIC) to co-ordinate and mutually reinforce such significant advances in public health policy; and believes that the BIC can also engage all relevant devolved policy responsibilities in the context of work to enhance the compatibility and comparability of respective legislative measures across these islands.