COLCHESTER MP Will Quince has called for graphic labels which highlight the risk of smoking to expectant mothers to be rolled out across all cigarette packets.

Mr Quince said smoking is the single biggest preventable risk factor to an unborn child and urged ministers to do more to help women and their partners kick the habit.

Speaking in an adjournment debate in the Commons, Mr Quince said: “All alcohol bought in the UK carries a warning sign making it clear pregnant women shouldn’t consume this product, yet only one in six packets of cigarettes carries a warning about the danger of smoking whilst pregnant.

“I do not believe it unreasonable or unrealistic for all tobacco products to carry a similar warning so it can be seen in the same way it is on every alcohol product.”

He added: “This debate is not in any way about criticising or demonising women, or their partners, who smoke during pregnancy.

I fully appreciate tobacco is highly addictive and it is difficult to stop smoking.

“But we also know that all parents want to give their baby the best possible start in life.

“We want the message to go out loud and clear that no matter what stage you are in your pregnancy, it is never too late to stop smoking.”