The British Government is waiting to see whether plain packaging on cigarettes in Australia has worked before similar legislation is introduced in the UK.

Britain has delayed its decision until concrete facts proving the efficacy of generic packages become available, the planned changes are now in limbo indefinitely. British Health Minister Anna Soubry says she has not seen enough evidence that the measure is working.

One MP was shocked the mother of the empire would seek advice from the colonies, British Labour MP Kevan Jones said, “I've got to say, this is a first for this government - that you determine policy by waiting to see what the Australians do."

Mark Littlewood, the director-general of the English Institute of Economic Affairs, said Britain would be better to focus on rampant government spending rather than the folly of trying to cut cancer, he said; "the Australians have effectively offered to be the guinea pigs for the rest of the world, and whether this works or not... I think all of the suggestions and all of the evidence are that it won't be a success."

England’s Shadow Health Minister Diane Abbot said, “Australia is offering leadership and standing up to big tobacco, and it's only a shame that David Cameron and the British Tories don't have the same bravery... it takes courage to take important public health measures, but they are showing the way... I really welcome that Australian politicians have shown some courage on this issue.”

Australia’s Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said it was concerning Britain was holding back its decision, she also questioned the influence of tobacco lobbyists on the government’s stance.