A WIRRAL Euro MP claims introducing plain packaging for cigarettes will be "dangerous for consumers" and open the flood gates for counterfeiters.

Paul Nuttall's comments follow Prime Minister David Cameron's ordering of a re-think about banning branded cigarette cartons in the face of losing a vote in the House of Lords on the issue.

The Government wants to introduce plain packaging following a change of heart by Mr Cameron, who in July had distanced himself from uniform packaging.

Public Health Minister Jane Ellison announced that the eminent paediatrician, Sir Cyril Chantler, has been asked to carry out a rapid review of the evidence, which will be completed by March.

At the same time, changes will be made to the Children and Families Bill currently going through Parliament so that a ban on branded cigarette packets can be imposed "without delay" if the review concludes it is the right course.

The move was warmly welcomed by health campaigners but the tobacco companies said a ban would have not impact on legal smoking levels and would simply lead to an increase in smuggling and counterfeit products.

Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader, said: “Once again, the Tories are having to perform a U-turn because the Upper Chamber have rubbished their previous decision.

“On Thursday, Jane Ellison tried to say this is about public health, but she has been forced to admit plain packaging will make it much easier for cheap, counterfeit cigarettes to flood our pubs and playgrounds.

“The dealers will not be paying tobacco tax, so they will be affordable to more people, including kids with pocket money, and that’s particularly dangerous as the black-market products will bypass all current regulations, so goodness only knows what will be in them.

“In June, Cameron made out he wanted to take-on the big tobacco companies, on behalf of the public, but there was no evidence plain packaging would work.”

He added: "If he was serious about stopping young people from smoking, they would spend some money prosecuting shops that sell to school children.”

The Government insists it had made clear last July that it was simply taking a "pause" following a public consultation in 2012, to consider evidence from Australia.

Ms Ellison said there would be no new public consultation and that Sir Cyril's review would have access to the submissions made in the course of last year's consultation.

Welcoming the Government announcement, Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said there was "no question" that imposition of plain packaging would save thousands of lives in future.

"Stopping cigarettes being marketed to children as a glamorous and desirable accessory is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation," he said.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: "This is an early Christmas present for all of the campaigners that have been working tirelessly to save young lives.

"Introducing standardised packs could prevent a generation of young people starting a deadly and highly addictive habit."