Tobacco sector lobbies against rules

Unprecedented lobbying by the tobacco industry is threatening to derail new EU rules on cigarettes and e-cigarettes, Irish officials have warned.

Health Minister James Reilly has mobilised fellow ministers from 15 member states to issue a letter calling on members of the European Parliament to resist industry pressure.

Tobacco companies see Europe fear that if new rules regulating e-cigarettes and making packaging less attractive are passed, regions such as the US will follow.