The House of Commons has approved standardised tobacco packaging in the UK. But more than 100 Conservative MPs voted against it.

How standardised cigarette packs might look.

Reuters

The move was backed by 367 MPs but 113 members voted against it, 104 of whom were Tory – one of the biggest rebellions in the coalition's history. The House of Lords is expected to approve the ban next week.

It means that every packet, no matter the brand, will be the same size and colour and dominated by graphic health warnings. The aim is to help prevent youngsters taking up the habit by making packs less appealing.

The Irish Republic passed a similar law earlier this month – the second country in the world after Australia that has had plain packaging since 2012.

Health campaigners were delighted with the move, claiming it would save thousands of lives. But many MPs were furious that the free vote took place without a debate in the Commons chamber.

Many Tories have been long opposed to the idea, saying there is not enough evidence that it will curb smoking rates and warning of a "slippery slope" toward a crackdown on alcohol and junk food.

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