article_snippet: Critics said the idea will not prevent people smoking, could confuse consumers and fuel illegal imports.
article_snippet: Tobacco is a uniquely harmful consumer good and as such Tobacco's been treated uniquely in regulatory terms for many years.'
article_snippet: The growing weight of peer-reviewed evidence that standard packs reduce the appeal of smoking to children has crushed Tobacco counter claims.'
article_snippet: Dr Jenny Hatchard, from University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group, said: 'Tobacco companies have undertaken an unremitting three year opposition campaign, in which Tobacco companies hid behind third parties as Tobacco companies tried to dissuade politicians from acting in the interests of children's health. '
article_snippet: The vote indicates that the strong evidence that this measure is likely to reduce the appeal of smoking and bring health benefits for young people for generations to come has finally won out.'
article_snippet: However, pro-smoking groups said the public did not support the plan.
article_snippet: Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest which runs the Hands Off Our Packs campaign, said voters did not see it as a priority. '
article_snippet: the public wants parliament to prioritise tackling immigration and terrorism, not plain packaging of cigarettes. '
article_snippet: In May 2013 it emerged that the government had dropped plans to follow suit, to focus on economic growth, tackling immigration and reforming welfare.