THE decision to force tobacco companies to sell cigarettes in standardised packaging has been welcomed by an anti-smoking group as a step towards a ‘smoke-free generation’.

From May 20, all packs will have the same drab backgrounds and health warnings will cover 65%, with graphic picture warnings of the health dangers of smoking.

Fiona Andrews, director of Smokefree South West, said: “This is a great day for everyone who has been working for so long to help make the introduction of standard packs a reality.

“For the South-West, it will ultimately mean fewer of our young people being tempted by glitzy branding to start using a product that kills one in two long-term smokers and unnecessarily causes chronic health problems as well as stress and bereavement for friends and families.

“In Australia, where standardised packs were introduced two years ago, figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released last week show that tobacco consumption has fallen by 12.8% since they passed laws similar to those we will now have in the UK.

“Smokefree South West agrees with Public Health Minister Jane Ellison, who said the law would bring the country 'one step closer to our first smoke-free generation'.”