graphic warnings

UK: Imperial Tobacco CEO negates the impact of graphic warnings

Imperial Tobacco CEO Gareth Davis says he does not believe graphic warnings would change the behavior of smokers and he has seen no evidence that they have an impact.  That's a denial of the existing scientific studies and the line given by the civil servants who also oppose graphic warnings (like in France).

United Kingdom: Smokers to face picture warnings... in september 2009

Images highlighting the dangers of smoking will be printed on all tobacco products sold in the UK by the end of 2009, under regulations being set out.

Manufacturers will have to start complying from October next year.
After a public consultation 15 images, including ones of diseased lungs, have been chosen to accompany text warnings about lung cancer and heart disease.

Louise Hassan about health warnings in the UK

Louise Hassan compares the UK warnings with Canada's graphic warnings.
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Tobacco Pack Warning Survey in the UK

In the UK the Department of Health has launched a Tobacco Pack Warning Survey with a website presenting the new graphic warnings that are being considered and asking the public to vote for the most effective.
Meanwhile in Tasmania tobacconists are selling more and more cigarette pack "skins", ie special covers to hide the graphic warnings. In a joined article a cessation specialist doubts fear will incite anybody to quit and suggests the government rather helps people quit. Of course both approaches are non exclusive, compatible and in fact complementary. last but not least, graphic health warnings cost almost nothing to implement for the government (except for the surveying budget in the UK's case).