Hands Off
Our Packs!

Our Supporters

person2-bw.jpgMark Littlewood, Institute of Economic Affairs

The idea that adult citizens are able to make their own rational, reasoned choices in a world of colourful pictures seems quite alien to the squadron of health groups, bureaucrats and politicians who wish to infantilise and demonise those of us who choose to enjoy tobacco.

Claire FoxClaire Fox, director, Institute of Ideas

Plain packaging is yet another illiberal attempt to denormalise smoking, treating a legal product as some type of pariah brand that needs to be singled out for special treatment. The real loser however is FREEDOM, and that should have every smoker and non smoker up in arms.

person4-bw.jpgChris Snowdon, writer and blogger

The implication that non smokers suddenly take up a notoriously unhealthy habit because packets are coloured red or blue is an insult to the public’s intelligence.

Josie AppletonJosie Appleton, director, Manifesto Club

Display bans and plain packaging treat the public rather as an animal behaviourist might treat a chimp. Hide or disguise cigarettes and people might forget that they exist. You don't have to be a fan of cigarettes or cigarette companies to oppose such patronising measures.

Dan DonavanDan Donovan, designer and photographer

Plain packaging is an insult to our intelligence. I didn’t choose to smoke because of a brightly coloured packet. I chose to smoke because I enjoy it.

Suzy DeanSuzy Dean, writer and journalist

The idea that smoking derives its appeal from packaging rather than the substance itself is truly bonkers. People smoke because they like cigarettes. Presumably we all drink beer because we like the colour of the bottles too?

George SpellerGeorge Speller, musician

How much longer must we put up with the gross exploitation of children for political ends?



We welcome comments in support of the Hands Off Our Packs campaign. Please email them to contact@handsoffourpacks.com with your name and occupation and we will post a selection on this page.


Our Supporters 

Hands Off Our Packs is supported by adults from all walks of life. They include smokers and non-smokers who are sick of being patronised by the tobacco control industry.

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The Government has just launched a public consultation on whether the United Kingdom should adopt ‘plain’ packaging of tobacco products. If you oppose the plain packaging of tobacco please enter your details below. We will submit the information to the Department of Health and let the Government know that you are against this measure. By signing up you can help protect Britain from the dangers of excessive regulation.

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