Source: BBC Online
Date: 2010-02-01

A plan to halve the number of smokers in England over the next 10
years has been unveiled by ministers.

The number of people smoking has fallen by a quarter in the past
decade to 21%, and the proposed target is 10% by 2020.

Measures being considered include removing branding from packets
and banning cigarette vending machines, as will happen in
Scotland next year.

Smokers\' lobby group Forest criticised the proposals for eroding
people\'s ability to make lifestyle choices.

Health charity Ash said that while it supported the plans in
principle, there was a need for more detail and stronger pledges.