2,000 Children Have Started Smoking Since Packaging Consultation

Over 2,000 children have begun smoking in Northern Ireland in the time the government has taken to debate whether or not to introduce standardised tobacco packaging.

This was the claim from health charity NI Chest Heart & Stroke.

It said that since the public consultation on the issue ended six months ago, an estimated 12 children every day, 86 per week and 372 per month have taken up the habit in Northern Ireland.

The figures are an estimate based on NHS statistics on drinking and drug use among young people up to the age of 15.

The charity’s Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: "We, together with many other health organisations, are calling on the government to publish the findings of the consultation and introduce standardised tobacco packs as soon as possible. Research shows that 62% of people are in favour of the measure, with more smokers in favour than against.

"Standardised packaging is already in place in Australia, where it was introduced in December. We cannot work out why the government is delaying this measure, since it has been proven that branded and colourful packaging contributes to encouraging children to take up smoking."

Over 4,200 children start smoking every year in Northern Ireland.

February 14 is the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the ban on tobacco advertising and the seventh anniversary of the House of Commons vote on smoke free workplace legislation.

(IT/GK)