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.
Our Supporters
Mark 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 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.
Chris 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 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 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 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 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
In 2012 the Government held a 16-week public consultation on whether the UK should adopt standardised (or 'plain') packaging for tobacco products. The consultation received over 665,000 responses, with a substantial majority (427,888) opposed to standard packs. In 2014 the Government conducted a further six-week consultation on the regulations for plain packaging. Together the Prime Minister and the Department of Health received a further 150,000 responses (via the Hands Off Our Packs campaign) opposing plain packs. In September the Government informed the EU it had yet to make a decision on the issue. To inform your MP of your opposition to plain packs and request they forward your views to the relevant ministers, please visit our LAST CHANCE SALOON microsite NOW! To receive updates about our campaign please enter your details below.
