The omission of plain packs legislation for tobacco in this week’s Queen’s speech was welcomed by tobacco companies - as supporters insisted it still had political support.

Its absence, alongside any mention of minimum unit pricing on alcohol, was seen by many as evidence the government had abandoned the measures.

“It reflects that the regulatory principles of evidence-based policy, not policy-based evidence, are being observed,” said a JTI spokesman.

JTI and Imperial Tobacco reiterated claims there was little evidence plain packaging stopped young people smoking, and that plain packs would increase the illicit trade of tobacco.

The introduction of plain packs would have been inappropriate before the government had considered submissions made during the consultation process, they added.

However, further clarity was needed, warned an ACS spokesman. “Despite what the speculation around the Queen’s Speech suggests, they have still not formally responded to that consultation,” he said.

“We would welcome clarity that they have indeed decided not to proceed with legislation in this area.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, health secretary Jeremy Hunt maintained that the non-appearance of a Bill did not mean the government had decided not to implement legislation.

A DH spokeswoman also insisted no decision had been made, adding that it was still considering evidence from the consultation, as well as “closely watching what is happening around the world and taking the time needed to assess the evidence properly”.

A spokeswoman for the campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) said: “The door is still open for legislation, which gives cause to continue the campaign.”

Topics