Big Tobacco Firms Offer 'Misleading Evidence'

Most studies that show the negative impact plain cigarette packets would have on the economy are funded by "big tobacco" firms, according to a damning report.

Such companies have warned standardised packaging would fuel a black market in cigarettes – citing research that echoes their concerns.

But the University of Bath claims more than 50% of such evidence comes from reports commissioned by the industry itself – or from third parties with financial connections to it.

The Tobacco Control Research Group, funded by Cancer Research UK , also found 66% of the industry's claims were just opinions – and that of the 51 MPs opposed to plain packaging, seven of them had accepted hospitality from the sector.

George Butterworth, from Cancer Research UK, said: "By failing to disclose financial links to misleading evidence, this is lobbying at its worst.

"For years, misinformation has been their currency, but as the success of plain, standardised packaging in Australia becomes clear – now with record low smoking rates – 'big tobacco' is looking spent.

"Independent evidence consistently demonstrates the role that standardised packaging can play in protecting children from a deadly addiction.

"Now (NYSE: DNOW - news) , the UK Government must treat the tobacco industry's spin with the contempt it deserves – and introduce regulations without delay."