UK government does standardized-pack policy U-turn on to median strip

Cigarettes could be sold in the U.K. only in standardized packs after a government U-turn on a public health policy U-turn.

A story in The Guardian said that in a surprise move the government was set to give ministers the power to introduce the policy, though implementation would be subject to an evidence review.

The government would table an amendment to that effect in the children and families bill, which was currently going through the House of Lords, The Guardian reported.

The review, which will be led by Sir Cyril Chantler, a doctor, academic and NHS administrator, will report by the end of March.

Subject to its findings, standardized packaging could be in force before May 2015.