The smokers’ group Forest is urging retailers to write to the prime minister declaring their opposition to plain packaging ahead of the Queen’s Speech on 4 June. 

The group has launched a new website No Prime Minister which allows retailers to email a pro-forma letter to David Cameron.

“There is no credible evidence that children start smoking because of the packaging, or that ‘plain’ packaging will deter children from smoking,” the letter reads.

“Before pressing ahead with legislation I urge you to wait until government has studied the impact of the tobacco display ban, which will not be fully implemented until 2015, and the introduction of larger health warnings which are being introduced in 2016 as part of the EU’s revised Tobacco Products Directive,” the letter continues.

Forest director Simon Clark urged retailers to visit the site and email the letter.

“A lot of people are under the misapprehension that plain packaging is a done deal. It’s not. There is still everything to play for so people must make their views known to government, and the prime minister in particular.

“If you feel strongly about this issue act now. It’s not too late to make a difference,” he said.

 To write to David Cameron visit http://www.noprimeminister.org.uk/