UK Moves to Ban Cigarette Machines as WHO Calls for Tobacco Advert Ban

Cigarette vending machines and packets of 10 could be outlawed under government plans aimed at preventing children and young people smoking.

The plans, which include banning branding and logos, apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Similar plans have been unveiled in Scotland.

Smokers' lobby group Forest said there was "no evidence" to show the plans would to cut smoking in young people.

Meanwhile, a new TV advert campaign is targeting parents who smoke.

The adverts warn that children of smokers are three times more likely to take up the habit than those of non-smokers.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on governments to ban all tobacco advertising to help prevent young people taking up the habit.

It accused manufacturers of using increasingly sophisticated marketing techniques to ensare young people, particularly girls in poorer countries.

The UN agency says the more they are exposed to tobacco advertising, the more likely people will start smoking.

The appeal was issued to mark the WHO's World No Tobacco Day.

The organisation said only 5% of the world's population was covered by comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.