Britain’s two main opposition parties are planning to block a move to ban the display of cigarettes in shops, reports The Telegraph.

The Tories and the Liberal Democrats are planning to oppose the introduction of a display ban in shops when it comes before parliament on the grounds that it will have no effect on sales to children and will cost retailers thousands of pounds.
The Tory shadow health minister Mike Penning told the BBC1’s Politics Show that ending displays and removing branding and logos could drive local shops and newsagents out of business. He also claimed that the plan to ban vending machines in pubs and to stop manufacturers selling packs of ten could lead to some adults smoking more.
More than 70 members of parliament have signed a motion raising concerns over the tobacco measures.
A government consultation on the measure has prompted 100,000 responses. Health minister Dawn Primarolo is due to announce her response in the next few weeks. (pi)